Fair Work First statement

The University of Dundee is committed to being a Fair Work employer - demonstrating the principles of Fair Work, by progressive employment practice and ensuring our ‘Dundee Deal’ for staff is inclusive and supportive.

Fair Work First is the Scottish Government's flagship policy for driving high quality and fair work across the labour market in Scotland by applying fair work criteria to grants, other funding and contracts being awarded by and across the public sector, where it is relevant to do so. Through this approach, the Scottish Government is asking employers to adopt fair working practices, specifically:

• Payment of at least the real Living Wage.
• Providing appropriate channels for effective workers’ voice, such as trade union recognition.
• Investment in workforce development.
• No inappropriate use of zero-hour contracts.
• Action to tackle the gender pay gap and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Offer flexible and family-friendly working practices for all workers from day one of employment.
• Opposing the use of fire and rehire practices.

The University values the open and honest partnership and communication established with our Trade Unions. There are well established consultation and engagement processes in place to support constructive practice in a range of areas which support the Fair Work First principles.

For noting, the University has experienced a challenging time, with significant financial insecurity and an external audit into financial management and governance. This has impacted all areas of our work; however, we continue to strengthen our engagement across the organisation.

The University demonstrates our commitment to the principles by the following:

• We are an accredited Real Living Wage employer.
• We have established trade union consultation processes, including regular Joint Liaison Committee with our three union partners (UCU, Unite and Unison). Employee voice is regularly sought through the Staff Council, and their hosted Principal’s Question Time events, staff engagement surveys and through three established Staff Networks (LGBT+, BME and Disability).
• Our investment in staff talent and development supports a diverse Professional Development Programme, with a wide range of professional development opportunities; we offer mentoring and coaching; mandatory training on EDI, Cyber Security and H&S; annual appraisal process for all staff which allows each employee to set out their development ambitions.
• The University endeavours to limit the use of zero hours contracts in order that they may only be mutually appropriate circumstances.
• The University biennially reports the Equal Pay Reports and our Annual Staff Diversity Report, and is working towards addressing identified issues through our EDI Strategy. Our aim is to continue to support progression for all colleagues within our workforce.
• The University supports a suite of flexible and family friendly policies, these include Flexible Working, Hybrid Working, Flexible Retirement and a range of support through our Family Friendly support pages (including all types of leave such as parental, fertility treatment, and carers).
• The University ensures full and meaningful consultation takes place when changing employee’s contractual terms and conditions of employment. We do not use, or threaten to use, dismissal and immediate reengagement practices.