Decent work and economic growth 2023
Operations
The University of Huddersfield is a Living Wage Employer. The Living Wage is calculated according to the basic cost of living using the ‘Minimum Income Standard’ for the UK. The University was shortlisted for the Living Wage Champion Awards in 2014. The Real Living Wage, currently £12 (from October 2023), is above the UK Government’s ‘National Living Wage’ of £10-42 (age 23+; from April 2023); the University was the first major University (turnover >£100m) in the region (Yorkshire & Humber) to become a Living Wage employer, and remains one of only five such HEIs.
The University of Huddersfield recognises trades unions: for academic staff, this is the University and College Union (UCU); for professional services and support staff it is UNISON.
The University of Huddersfield has an Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy clearly states that ‘The University deplores all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and seeks to provide an environment free from discrimination against students, staff and others on the grounds of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion/belief, disability or any other protected characteristic.’ Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy [Rev V1.4 (November 2019)]
The University of Huddersfield has policies against forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labour.
The University has agreed processes for addressing Grievances, and issues related to Dignity at Work; there are also extensive rights of Appeal within all other HR processes and procedures at the University.
The University publishes and tracks its Gender Pay Gap, and has active policies in place to address these issues, including through its engagement with the Athena Swan process (for which see in further detail under the SDG5 Gender Equality commentary).
The University is committed to providing good conditions of employment for its staff; in 2021/22, 1,896 (96%) were on contracts of 24 months or more, discounting those providing maternity cover.
Learning and students
The University is a leading provider of work placements, and is committed to providing work-related activities on all its undergraduate courses.