4 min read
A response to recent concerns surrounding our members’ welfare in private halls of residence.
Over the past couple of days, we have become aware of the situation surrounding some of our members living in Jubilee Court - private Halls of Residence.
We were concerned to hear those residents had received communication from Jubilee Court Management, threatening confinement against their will in response to poor self-isolation levels.
We continue to monitor the situation as it progresses. The welfare of our members is of the upmost importance to us, and if necessary, will take further steps to support the needs of all students.
We have spoken with the University and were pleased to hear they had taken quick action to understand what had happened and how this would impact the students. The University have spoken directly with Jubilee Court and updated us on their conversation.
A spokesperson for the University said:
“Jubilee Court is a private, unregistered hall and does not come under the University’s direct operation. However, we have been verbally assured by the Jubilee Court management team that the students involved in this issue will not have their key fobs disabled and that residents can always exit the building without the use of a fob.”
The vast majority of our students have had a great track record in responding to the pandemic and ensuring the safety of themselves, other students and staff.
We welcome Jubilee Court's support for students with food deliveries and the communal WhatsApp group as a means of communication. However, we would like to emphasise that our students are adults, who are paying significant sums of money to stay in Jubilee Court halls of residence.
Whether the managements’ concerning email to students was an idle threat or actual intention, it is important to highlight that no one should be confined against their will by a landlord or management company. There were several alternative options that could have been chosen instead.
Throughout the pandemic, all of us have had to make difficult personal decisions about our own safety, and students are just as capable of making these decisions on their own, without force.
To ensure the safety of all our members and the local community, we’d like to remind students how important it is to follow government guidance. A link to the current guidelines can be found here.
Please remember, the University's Student Information and Support Centre is available to help resolve any further concerns students may have over this matter.
Your Students’ Union will be writing directly to Jubilee Court Management to ensure student welfare, health and safety is at the forefront of their decision making and communications moving forward.