Thousands of UK Students to Receive £3,000 Compensation for Covid Lockdown Disruption
Thousands of households across the United Kingdom are set to receive up to £3,000 in compensation due to the significant disruptions caused by the Covid-19 lockdowns. This development follows a major settlement involving students who faced educational interruptions during the pandemic.
£21 Million Payout Agreed by University College London
University College London (UCL) has agreed to disburse a substantial £21 million to address claims from 6,500 students. These claimants argued that they did not receive the in-person education they paid for when classes were moved online and campus facilities were closed during the lockdowns. While UCL has admitted no liability, the settlement provides a resolution, with each student receiving approximately £3,270.
Adam Zoubir, a partner at Harcus Parker solicitors, which jointly represented the claimants, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. "I am delighted that this settlement provides a resolution for our clients who attended UCL during the pandemic and had their classes moved online," he stated. "This marks the end of the claim against UCL, but we continue to represent tens of thousands of students from other universities affected by Covid."
Legal Representatives Highlight Broader Implications
Shimon Goldwater, partner at Asserson solicitors, also involved in the case, noted the commercial settlement's success. "I am very pleased that our clients have been able to achieve a commercial settlement of their claims with UCL," he said. "Student Group Claim will now turn its attention to claimants who attended other universities during the pandemic."
A new claim has been filed against 36 universities, declaring students' intentions to seek financial compensation for similar disruptions. The claim reportedly asserts that students paid for in-person teaching and access to facilities like libraries and studios, which were unavailable during lengthy closures. It suggests that anyone at university during the pandemic, especially in the 2020-21 academic year, could have a substantial claim.
University Response and Future Focus
Dr. Michael Spence, UCL president and provost, addressed the situation last week, acknowledging the widespread disruption caused by Covid-19. "Covid-19 created disruption across society, and universities were no exception," he explained. "Throughout the pandemic, we provided clear routes for students to seek redress, and many secured compensation through those established processes. This resolution enables us to focus on our core mission of delivering world-leading research and education."
This settlement highlights the ongoing financial and educational impacts of the pandemic on students, with potential for further claims across the higher education sector in the UK.
