61% of Oxford University tutorials are taught by non-permanent academics, with 20% done by hourly-paid tutors, according to Freedom of Information requests from the University and College Union based on responses from 24 colleges. The data reveals difficult pay and working conditions for Oxford academic staff criticised as “Deliveroo-style” by UCU general secretary Jo Grady, who told the Observer that “academics are exploited into working on poverty pay”.
These findings follow a 2023 UCU report that finds hourly-paid college tutors had a real wage between £8.42 to £12.63 when preparation time for tutorials is considered in addition to the actual contact hours. Further, only 36% of casualised workers’ wages were above the Oxford Living Wage. The trade union described the situation as an “acute crisis” that “demands immediate action”.
Academic staff at colleges and the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education can be employed on fixed-term or hourly contracts, which offer more flexibility and reduce long-term financial commitments. The UCU argues that this limits job security, career progression, and access to benefits.
The UCU is currently running a campaign to reduce the level of casualisation which has seen an increase in short-term contracts for Oxford academics. Over 500 students and staff signed an UCU open letter calling for measures to restrict casualisation at the University in April 2024.
Such contracts further create a “diversity deficit” among Oxford academics because it is harder for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to financially support themselves in such a role, a 2023 Cherwell investigation found. Notably, 74% of women were on fixed-term contracts compared to 61% of men, while 83% of BME staff were on fixed-term contracts compared to 61% of white staff.
A tutor told Cherwell that the quality of teaching is also affected: “I know from experience that it’s much easier to do that work well when you don’t have to split your attention between the present, the impending end of your contract, and the level of your bank account.”
Oxford’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education Professor William Martin told Cherwell: “The academic quality of an Oxford education is extremely high, with the University rated first for teaching in the most recent UK National Student Survey results. We recognise that this is based on our committed academics and staff at all levels. We are determined that they are all rewarded and supported appropriately.
“The far-reaching recommendations of our Pay & Conditions review are already being implemented, including the introduction of an Oxford weighting payment, with our initial focus on areas of greatest need and impact, particularly for our lowest paid staff. We will continue to engage with our colleges regarding teaching positions that are college-only appointments.”
