Apr
Update on SUSU Staff and Sabbatical Officers
As a result of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to furlough some SUSU staff and Sabbatical Officers.
We, like many other organisations, have been having conversations about furloughing some of our staff. Although we are currently in a strong financial position, we expect the effects of the ongoing situation will be long-term, so we are doing everything we can to prepare for this. Therefore, we have made the decision to take advantage of the government’s job retention scheme to ensure we remain financially sustainable for the future, whilst ensuring there will always be people to provide support to students.
Sadly, as the Southampton campus is closed our commerical outlets will also remain closed, so our Union Services team will be on furlough leave. In addition, whilst our sports clubs and societies are doing some wonderful work online, the level of activity has also significantly reduced. Therefore it’s no longer necessary to have the entire team of full-time Coordinators and relevant Sabbatical Officers (VP Sports and VP Activities) working.
As a result, we have agreed with Olivia, our VP Sports, that she will be taking furlough leave until 01 June. However, she will remain active in her capacity as a trustee of SUSU. Fiona, our VP Activities, will also be on furlough leave for a shorter period at a later date, however remains working at the moment. The Activities Coordinator team will be split in half and will rotate being furloughed on a three-weekly basis. Although there will be less staff than usual, we have ensured there will always be support available for our sports clubs and societies. If you have any queries you would normally contact Olivia about, please contact the general Activities inbox: activities@susu.org.
As a Students’ Union, we remain committed to representing all aspects of student needs to the University, and the rest of the Sabbatical and staff team will continue to support you through this difficult time as best we can.
Emily Harrison, SUSU President, on behalf of the Sabbatical Team 2019-20.
