A message to all staff

Dear Colleagues,

Further to the Government’s update yesterday on easing of the current lockdown arrangements, I wanted to remind you of the University’s plans in this regard.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to read the note put out by Roger Gair on Thursday 7 May, please do so as it provides an overview of our proposed approach.

Yesterday’s announcement does not change the University’s overall approach – we now have a little more information against which we can continue with our plans for a safe, gradual resumption of a small number of campus-based activities. This means that there will be no immediate change – your current working arrangements remain in place until further notice. Any such future changes will be advised by your line manager.

While we await the publication of further guidance from the Government, we are of course aware that the continuation of remote working may cause anxiety and other issues for some colleagues and we will aim to continue to provide as much support as we can at this time. Please remember that colleagues in the Occupational Health and University Counselling Services are available to help you, and you do not need a formal referral to speak to them. In addition, do speak to your line manager who will also try to find ways to help you at this time.

As always, keep checking the coronavirus microsite for updates and keep in touch with your line manager. As promised in Roger Gair’s note, we will also advise later this week on the mechanism we will operate to enable colleagues to raise questions and/or to make suggestions to inform our ongoing planning.

Best wishes,

Francesca Fowler

Director of Human Resources

University of Leeds