Open University lecturers back permanent contract deal

Associate lecturers at the Open University have overwhelming voted to accept a permanent contract deal, following years of job insecurity.

Ninety-four per cent of University and College Union (UCU) members who were balloted voted for the deal, which the union says will lead to better job security and rights for more than 4,000 associate lecturers at the university.

The deal also increases associate lecturers’ annual leave entitlement and paid time off for professional development, the union said.