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Colleagues in security, cleaning, portering and catering
Some specialist provision such as cleaning, catering and security services have been managed by external providers at UCL since 2000. Following constructive negotiations with UNISON, UCL’s recognised trade union, and with support from Council, UCL’s governing body, in 2019 we committed to achieving parity of pay and core benefits for frontline outsourced staff with colleagues employed directly by UCL.
Since August 2021, outsourced frontline security, cleaning and catering staff working exclusively on a UCL contract as part of their position receive the same or equivalent pay and benefits as directly employed staff, and we continue to work with our contractor companies Bidvest Noonan, CH&Co, Sodexo, Vinci and Compass Group to ensure any enhancements to the pay and benefits for UCL staff are applied to eligible contractor staff.
Ensuring fair and consistent pay and benefits for our outsourced colleagues
1 August 2025 - We have been working with our contracted suppliers to ensure the enhancements to pay and benefits set out in our commitment to parity of conditions with colleagues directly employed by UCL are being fairly and consistently applied to eligible outsourced colleagues.
Update on pay and benefits for UCL's security, cleaning, portering and catering staff
15 December 2023 - Our frontline outsourced colleagues in security, portering and catering are now paid some of the best rates for these roles in the sector, and since 2021 are now on equivalent pay and benefits to colleagues directly employed by UCL.
UCL statement regarding health and safety
19 January 2021 - UCL has issued a statement in response to media reports related to health and safety on campus.
Equalised pay and benefits confirmed for UCL’s security, cleaning, portering and catering staff
28 November 2019 - UCL has today confirmed that security, cleaning, portering and catering staff not already on equal terms will receive the equivalent of an additional seven days annual leave from December 1st, plus additional leave to cover university closure days.
UCL commits to same pay and benefits for its cleaning, catering and security staff
21 October 2019 - UCL has committed to ensuring that security, cleaning and catering staff will receive the same or equivalent pay and benefits as directly employed staff, following constructive negotiations with UNISON.
Security, cleaning and catering discussions on 7 October: request for your ideas and feedback
3 October 2019 - UCL has invited the UNISON union to discussions about how we will improve terms and conditions for security, cleaning and catering staff at UCL. Your ideas and feedback are welcomed.