Are Students Seeking Covid Compensation from Universities? Here's Why!

Thousands of students and graduates are now pursuing legal action against their universities over the perceived inadequacies in teaching and learning during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. This movement is part of the Student Group Claim, which alleges that students did not receive the full educational experience they paid for during this period. With pre-action letters recently sent to 36 universities, this legal challenge is gaining momentum and could have significant implications for the higher education sector in the UK.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The situation is evolving as a coalition of students and graduates initiates legal action against several universities, claiming they did not receive adequate educational services during the pandemic. The recent issuance of pre-action letters signifies a formal warning to the institutions that legal claims are forthcoming unless the disputes are resolved amicably. The claims are primarily centred on the academic years 2019-2022, as students argue they missed out on essential learning experiences and resources due to the abrupt transition to online learning.

Key takeaways

• Legal action is being taken by thousands of students against 36 universities over educational quality during Covid-19.
• Pre-action letters serve as a warning of potential legal proceedings if issues are not resolved.
• A recent settlement involving UCL may set a precedent for other universities facing similar claims.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey leading to these legal actions began with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, which forced universities to pivot to online learning. Key milestones include:

• March 2020: Universities shift to online teaching due to lockdown measures.
• July 2021: Students begin voicing concerns about the quality of education received during lockdowns.
• September 2022: The Student Group Claim is formalised, encompassing over 170,000 students.
• 2023: Pre-action letters are dispatched to 36 universities, signalling the intent to pursue claims.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest development is the sending of pre-action letters to 36 universities, indicating a formal step towards legal action. This follows a confidential settlement between University College London (UCL) and approximately 6,000 students, which has encouraged other students to pursue similar claims.

What was already established

Prior to this week, it was known that many students felt dissatisfied with their online learning experiences during the pandemic. The initial UCL case had already highlighted the potential for large-scale claims against universities, setting a precedent for collective legal action.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The legal action could lead to financial compensation for affected students, which may impact university funding and resources. If successful, universities might face increased tuition fee scrutiny and potential refunds, affecting both current and future students.

Businesses and jobs

Universities are significant employers and contribute to the local economy. Protracted legal disputes could divert resources and focus away from educational objectives, potentially impacting job security and hiring practices within the sector.

Policy and regulation

This wave of legal challenges could prompt the UK government and regulatory bodies to re-evaluate policies surrounding online education and tuition fees. It might lead to new guidelines that require institutions to ensure minimum standards of education delivery, even in emergency circumstances.

Numbers that matter

• 170,000: The total number of students and graduates involved in the claims against 36 universities.
• £5,000: The estimated compensation amount each student may claim, according to legal representatives.
• 6,000: The number of students involved in the UCL settlement, which may influence other claims.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Pre-action letter: A formal document indicating the intent to pursue legal action if a dispute is not resolved.
• Student Group Claim: A collective legal action taken by students against universities regarding educational quality and services.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Universities will likely start responding to the pre-action letters. Students should monitor communications from their institutions regarding any proposed resolutions or statements.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If universities do not resolve the disputes, students may begin to file formal claims in court. Legal proceedings could take several months to unfold, and updates will be crucial for affected students.

Signals to watch

• Responses from universities to pre-action letters.
• Any announcements regarding further settlements or legal actions by other universities.
• Government or regulatory responses to the situation.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about the developments related to your university.
• Consider registering for updates from legal representatives if you are part of the Student Group Claim.

Don’t

• Do not ignore communications from your university regarding these claims.
• Do not hesitate to seek legal advice if you feel wronged by your educational experience during the pandemic.

Checklist

• Check your eligibility for the Student Group Claim.
• Gather any documentation related to your university experience during the pandemic.
• Stay engaged with updates from legal representatives and your university.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The outcome of these legal claims is uncertain. Factors influencing the proceedings include the universities' responses, potential settlements, and evolving legal interpretations of educational obligations during unprecedented circumstances. Students should remain cautious and consult legal representation for tailored advice.

Bottom line

This unfolding legal action represents a significant moment for students seeking accountability from universities regarding their educational experiences during the pandemic. The implications could reshape the landscape of higher education in the UK, influencing policies and practices for years to come.

FAQs

What is the Student Group Claim?

The Student Group Claim is a collective legal action taken by students against multiple universities, alleging that they received inadequate education during the Covid-19 pandemic.

How much compensation are students seeking?

Students involved in the claim are estimated to seek around £5,000 each, depending on their individual circumstances.

What are pre-action letters?

Pre-action letters are formal documents sent to institutions as a warning of potential legal proceedings if a dispute is not resolved.