Updated research FAQ: Furlough, research resuming, balancing workload
17 Jun 2020
Frequently asked questions are updated regularly
This advice is correct at the time of publication of this news article.
If you have health concerns then you should refer to the NHS website as recommended by Public Health England. For other queries regarding the current situation, email coronavirus-info@manchester.ac.uk.
We have added the following new questions to the research FAQ:
Has the University furloughed externally-funded research staff?
The University has furloughed a sub-set of its externally-funded research staff whose projects and work have ceased due to the current disruption. We have focused our attention on furlough for staff working on charity and industry projects where eligibility and rationale have been clearest. Government and funder guidance on eligibility of research staff for furlough had not resolved all areas of risk and uncertainty associated with use of the scheme for the University. Also, the very late release of advice for some categories of staff (notably UKRI) allowed insufficient time to give full consideration to individual cases before the scheme registration deadline.
It has been difficult to conduct teaching and research due to remote working and/or caring responsibilities. Will expectations and requirements related to my workload and research/teaching quality and quantity be adjusted to take account of this?
We appreciate that everyone is doing the best they can in difficult circumstances. If you believe that your ability to meet normal work expectations has been adversely affected due to lockdown and remote working, please discuss this in the first instance with your Head of Department or Division.
We have updated the following question in the research FAQ:
What should I tell business partners?
Continuing relationships with our business partners is extremely important. In line with current government recommendations, the University is beginning to resume some scientific research activity on campus, as we are now satisfied that it is safe to do so. We are working to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of staff returning to campus. Faculties are managing a gradual re-opening for research, with COVID-19 related work being prioritised. Other research areas and activities are being prioritised and will resume in a phased manner. We will endeavour to inform industry partners of any further developments and update them on specific details related to their collaborations with the University as soon as possible.