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The lifting of Covid restrictions may signal the return of Department traditions such as our annual seasonal party -- last held in December 2019

Covid bonus helps out

In July the University will make a one-off payment of £1000 to all staff.

The pro rata payment will be made in this year's July payroll to all staff who are directly employed by the University and who were in employment on 1 May 2022.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Community and Engagement Professor Kamal Munir made the announcement in an email circulated on 7 June which said: "Many staff took on additional responsibilities and saw their workloads increase as the University responded to Covid and navigated the many changing national regulations. They did so while often facing extremely challenging circumstances at home. Across faculties, departments and institutions, people worked tirelessly, and continue to do so, not only to return the University’s operations to normal, but also to help the institution adapt and to do things better. 

"I believe that these efforts also played a role in keeping our community and local region as safe as possible. The partnerships forged during the pandemic, and the research produced over the past two years, will no doubt add significantly to wider society’s resilience and learning."

For many of our own Department staff who took on additional responsibilities or worked extra hours often under difficult circumstances, this payment represents some recognition of the roles they played in keeping our cutting-edge research going across the research groups, and in teaching, nurturing and supporting students during the crisis.  For many, the extra payment is much-needed during this time of soaring fuel costs and increasing inflation. 

Covid unmasked

The bonus follows on the heels of Covid restrictions being lifted in the department at the end of May.

Anyone entering the department on Thursday morning, the 26th of May, would have noticed immediately that something was different, but perhaps they couldn’t quite put their finger on what had changed – was it different lighting? Was it a new sign? Fresh paint?

And then they would have seen someone walk by. And then, they would have a slowly dawning realisation that they could see that person’s face. Not just the top half, but the whole face. Because on that seemingly insignificant day, the departmental rule requiring face coverings in public areas was lifted, opening the way to a potentially post-Covid-restrictions world.  

The evening before, Head of Department Dr James Keeler had written to all department members, saying: “With the continuing generally positive outlook about how the pandemic is developing, I am confident that it is now the right time to drop the remaining restrictions on our activities in the department. With effect from Thursday morning (26th May) face coverings will no longer be required in public areas and circulation spaces.”

Not only that, but the ‘keep left’ rule on corridors and stairs, and the restriction on the use of lifts were also dropped.

James wanted to make it clear how much he has appreciated how everybody (for the most part) has coped with the rules. He says: “I am enormously grateful for how well and with what good grace people have complied with the many iterations of our local rules – thank you so much.”

Of course, it will still be up to individual PIs and line managers to determine the policy in their own areas, and there is no stigma for staff members who wish to wear masks to protect themselves. James also points out that good ventilation and social distancing are great ways to reduce the spread of any infection – be it Covid or the common cold.

James reminded everyone that we all have a general duty to avoid passing on infections, and especially respiratory infections, to one another in the workplace. These can include Covid, coughs and colds, and ‘flu.

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection such as coughing, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, fever or headaches, then you should not come into work but should stay at home until the symptoms subside. If a staff member is able to, and feels well enough, they should continue to work at home – but if not, they should take sick absence in the usual way. James encourages people who are recovering from an illness to wear a face covering when near others for a few extra days.

And as always with Covid, there is still a note of caution: “We can reasonably expect a stable situation over the summer,” says James, “but the Autumn may well bring new challenges which may require some of the restrictions to be reintroduced.

But for now, we can once again see each other’s faces. And for all of us, the bonus will be a very welcome acknowledgement of the difficulties we have been through, and perhaps a sign that we are finally returning - if not exactly to the way things were, then at least to a 'new normal.'