Cecily Blyther

Cecily Blyther for Casualised Members FE

I work at Petroc, a college of Further Education, in Northern Devon, and in my 18 years here, like many casualised staff, I have had a varied and interesting teaching experience.  I have taught Mathematics, Computing and English to students as young as 14, up to mature adults.  I also teach Statistics on the Human Biosciences foundation degree, and I provide additional learning support (ALS) to students studying a wide variety of subjects, including Theatre Studies, Music, Psychology, History, Law, Further Mathematics, Engineering, and the mainstream sciences.  My current work at Petroc has three components, each of which is claimed and paid differently: ALS Intervention Tutor, Mathematics and English Associate Lecturer, Associate Lecturer in Statistics.

I am currently UCU Branch Chair at Petroc, and am a member of the UCU’s Disabled Members’ Standing Committee.  I served on the NEC and on the Anti-casualisation Committee from 2016 to 2023.  I am a member of UCU Left.

From my NEC service, I understand the importance of the NEC’s work in implementing decisions of Congress and Sector Conferences.  I appreciate the collegial discussion and the commitment to following our democratic structures. 

My long experience has deepened my understanding of how crucial an issue casualisation is for UCU.  For anyone who is casualised, this can often bring the misery of financial insecurity, poverty and associated stress and illness.  Not having a permanent job limits ability to plan career and personal life.

Casualisation is also an issue for all UCU members.  Having a section of the membership in a vulnerable employment position weakens the bargaining situation of all union members.  UCU is correct to identify casualisation as an important issue, which is inextricably linked with all other equality strands.  Trade unions must demand that the Labour Government acts to outlaw zero-hours’ contracts and to bring in greater job security for all workers. 

UCU is an education union.  That means our members are committed to education as a public good, bringing about a fairer and more just society.  One aspect of my teaching, which I particularly value, is my regular, one-to-one work with students, where I can focus on an individual’s learning needs and support their development. 

Professional commitment and commitment to our students, however, must not be exploited.  In FE, UCU must work for a return to effective national bargaining and decent pay awards implemented in all FE colleges and for all members.  In all sectors, UCU members need manageable workloads, pay rises which compensate for and keep up with inflation and secure pensions to provide a decent income in retirement.

I would welcome the opportunity to serve members again at NEC level, carrying on UCU’s important work, challenging casualisation.