Mass Legal Action Seeks Compensation for Pandemic-Hit University Studies
Students across England and Wales have initiated a major legal campaign, demanding compensation of £5,000 each from 36 universities for the disruption caused to their studies during the Covid-19 pandemic. This action involves over 170,000 students and follows a recent settlement between University College London (UCL) and the Student Group Claim, which has paved the way for broader claims across the higher education sector.
Universities Face Pre-Action Claim Letters
Pre-action claim letters have been formally dispatched to a wide range of institutions, including prominent universities such as Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Imperial College London, Leeds, Liverpool, and Warwick. The legal proceedings are being coordinated on behalf of students who argue that their educational experiences were severely compromised when courses were moved online and campus facilities were closed due to pandemic restrictions.
Shimon Goldwater, a partner at the law firm Asserson, which is representing the students, stated: “UK undergraduates at university during the pandemic borrowed money at ridiculous interest rates to fund courses which were ruined by online teaching and closed facilities. Student Group Claim is helping students challenge universities to do what they should have done during Covid: pay students compensation for not providing them with the in-person teaching for which they paid.”
Expanding List of Institutions Involved
The legal action extends beyond the initial group, with additional universities now facing claims, including Birmingham, Coventry, De Montfort, East Anglia, Leeds Beckett, London School of Economics and Political Science, Loughborough, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Southampton, and York. Lawyers involved have indicated that more institutions could be added to the list as the case progresses, highlighting the widespread impact of the pandemic on university operations.
University Responses and Sector-Wide Implications
In response to the claims, Dr. Michael Spence, President and Provost of UCL, commented: “We recognise that the Covid years were incredibly difficult for students. Covid-19 created disruption across society, and universities were no exception. Throughout the pandemic we provided clear routes for students to seek redress, and many secured compensation through those established processes. This resolution enables us to focus on our core mission of delivering world-leading research and education.”
A spokesperson for Universities UK added: “During some periods of lockdown, universities were not permitted to offer in-person teaching as usual and instead they adjusted quickly and creatively to allow students to complete their degrees.” This statement underscores the challenges faced by institutions in adapting to unprecedented circumstances while maintaining educational continuity.
The outcome of this legal bid could set a significant precedent for how universities handle compensation claims related to pandemic disruptions, potentially affecting future policies and student rights in higher education across the UK.
