Notes: 

The expansion of digital technologies in higher education is increasing workloads, driving unsafe levels of casualisation, and reshaping roles without adequate consultation. Employers are failing to engage meaningfully with staff, contributing to deteriorating working conditions, heightened stress, and reduced autonomy. Labour in opposition has pledged to ensure rights and protections keep pace with digital change. 

Believes: 

Staff deserve secure employment, equitable workloads, and clear safeguards around technologies that affect job design. Democratic, transparent governance requires genuine staff involvement. UCU members have the collective strength to challenge unfair practices when supported by clear strategy and strong communication. 

Resolves: 

Call on UCU nationally to launch a campaign defending jobs and workload fairness in the context of technological change; demand sector‑wide negotiations requiring union consultation before introducing systems affecting work; provide members with updates, training, and organising resources; support industrial action where necessary; and submit this motion to Congress for wider endorsement. 

Original motion (224 words) Proposed by the branch committee. Moved by Andi Rylands, seconded by Sandy James. Amended version (150 words) was moved by Dan Howdon, seconded by Nigel Bubb. The amendment was carried. The motion as amended (shown above) was carried at the ordinary general meeting 3 March 2026.