Research School Irregular

The University has reviewed the updated government guidance issued on 8 December 2021 and the specific guidance for Higher Education received yesterday.

The safety and wellbeing of our staff and students continue to be our main priority and the following measures have been guided by the latest advice from the government and Public Health England.

Whilst there are no requirements in the latest government guidance for Christmas parties and gatherings to be cancelled, all work-related social events on campus have been cancelled and we strongly advise against having work-related social events off-campus.

We would advise considering a virtual gathering as an alternative. (Which we have done thanks to Danny & David)

Further information at: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=27394

Increasingly large numbers of people are now working at home. This will be especially true after teaching finishes on Friday 17 Dec.  I suspect that on Monday 20 December to Wednesday 22 December the buildings will be pretty much deserted.

As the Department's buildings will have a very low occupancy the building's users should take care. Note that the Kilburn building is open access.

Do take care if you are coming into the building and take the usual precautions. My own view is to work at home unless you really have to come in.

Note that there is the Safezone app  that may be downloaded from:

https://www.welcome.manchester.ac.uk/get-ready/health-wellbeing-safety/safezone/

There is functionality in the app to activate a call for assistance; this call goes directly to Security.  This is certainly worth communicating to staff.  Regarding the closing of the  This app may also be used when there is a medical emergency.