THE vice-chancellors of 122 universities in England have been urged to halt face-to-face teaching where possible and move contact with students online.

The University and College Union (UCU) said today that it has identified 35,000 Covid-19 infections on UK campuses since the government told students to take up their university places.

It has written to the vice-chancellors highlighting the danger of Covid-19 infections increasing unless non-remote teaching is cut back sharply.

The union, which represents 100,000 university lecturers, has already launched legal action against the government for failing to heed scientific advice to consider making all England’s universities maximise online tuition.

When the government announced that a new 28-day lockdown would be imposed in England from tomorrow, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said the government should “consider moving to increased levels of online learning where possible.”

However, the government has ignored the calls, the UCU said today.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Following updated guidance from the Westminster government, we are calling on vice-chancellors in England to exercise their autonomy and move all non-essential activities online now.

“Universities must not risk the health and safety of staff and students by allowing non-essential in-person activities to continue. 

“Reducing the amount of in-person teaching and travel to and from campus will minimise the spread of Covid-19 and keep people as safe as possible.”

In September, the government insisted that first-year students should take up their places at university. 

As a result, thousands of students were forced into immediate isolation on arrival at their halls of residence, leading to widespread protests.