Confusion as EUSA announce cap on hours for workers

Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) have announced that they are capping the number of hours each student is allowed to work.

The controversial rule will demand that EUSA staff work no more than 15 hours per week, effectively cutting students' income.

James Wallace, EUSA Vice President of Services,  told The Journal: “Staffing matters including terms and conditions are sensitive. The university has guidance that students should not work longer than 15 hours a week due to the effect that working long hours has on a student's study.

“The students’ association also has this guidance on 15 hour weeks and it would be irresponsible if we required students to work longer than the maximum that both us and the university say students should have to work.”

EUSA policy bans all staff from speaking to the press with the exception of the four elected sabbaticals.

Student President Thomas Graham said: "It is inappropriate for members of staff to speak to press, particularly with regard to their employment. If they have a concern about their employment they should raise it through their line manager in the first instance and through grievance procedures if it is not satisfactorily resolved."

One disgruntled EUSA employee approached The Journal anonymously to express his concerns.

An email from 'John Smith' read: “Bar staff were told on Friday 4 October that the 15 hour scheme was a 'proposal' and would not go ahead without proper consultation and notice. 24 hours later we were told the policy was 'definitely' going ahead, possibly within two to three weeks."

The email continued: “There was to be no discussion and what we were told the day before was false. We don’t know when it will happen, so we don’t know how much time we have to find another job.

“Currently most staff do around 15 hours or over. Many, like me, have to work over 15 hours in order to pay for university. We have no choice. We are now franticly looking for new jobs during the worst recession for decades.”

He added: “Questions have been raised to the legality of the policy, especially in regards to workers who are students at other universities, post-graduates, part-time and research students. However, little time has been allowed for us to seek advice on such matters.”

Responding to the concerns of those staff who are unhappy about the changes, Mr Wallace insisted: “We are not forcing students out of work. There are a handful of current student employees who wish to work for longer than 15 hours and have been doing so for a while. For this reason the policy is not being enforced for current employees at the present time.”

When contacted by The Journal, Smith added: “I spoke to a number of staff on Wednesday. No one knows anything more. If what you have said is true then it would clear up the problem. We were told this would affect present staff last Saturday.

“Overall the problem has been poorly communicated to us and given that EUSA's position has changed already I would need to hear this categorically from my manager.”

Mr Wallace said: “The current policy is that new students entering our employment are only on a rota to work for 15 hours.This will ensure that we are complying with both University guidance and our own advice.

"It would be extremely hypocritical of us to tell students they should not work more than 15 hours and then force them to do so when they actually work for us.

“This policy is entirely about ensuring that EUSA does not put itself in a position where we may jeopardise any student’s chances of achieving the best degree that they can while at university but this was never intended to leave students in a difficult position financially.

"One of the great benefits of working for the Students’ Association is the flexibility that is offered to students. At exam times and essay dates they are able to reduce their working time easily.

“Our priority is to ensure that student have the best possible opportunity to complete their studies to the best of their ability.”

The way EUSA has dealt with this situation has angered many staff, and despite the benefits John Smith feels let down by EUSA: “I believe this matter is of interest to all at the University of Edinburgh given that EUSA is run 'by students for students', yet are making their student work lives considerably harder at a time of recession.”