Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Could thousands of students win COVID compensation from universities?
Over 170,000 students have joined a legal campaign to claim financial restitution from universities for pandemic-related disruptions. The initiative began in 2023, with 100,000 students initially enrolling in the no-win, no-fee claim. This number has since expanded to 170,000, prompting legal correspondence from 36 UK universities.
What is and isn’t covered in the claim
The Student Group Claim, spearheaded by Harcus Parker and Asserson solicitors, contends that students received a diminished service during the early stages of the pandemic, leading to a loss in value compared to the fees they paid. Initially, the law firms aimed to pursue compensation for both the loss of campus access and teaching cancellations linked to industrial action. However, as of March, the claim focuses solely on the transition to online learning in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years at English and Welsh universities. Eligible claimants must have accepted offers before 1 April 2020.
Excluded from the claim are: • Teaching moved online due to COVID-19 in the 2019-20 academic year • Restrictions on campus facilities during any pandemic period • Teaching cancellations caused by industrial action in any academic year
Student Loan Concerns: Budget Changes and Their Impact
The legal action gained momentum in February after University College London (UCL) settled for £21 million, acknowledging the challenges faced by students during the pandemic. The settlement, while not admitting liability, highlighted the disruption caused by the pandemic across all sectors, including higher education. Asal Reyhanian, an associate at Asserson Law Offices, told Sky News earlier this month that the agreement served as a “good test case” for the broader claim.
“We aren’t criticising universities for sticking to government guidelines and restrictions, what we are criticising them for is charging the same fees for a less valuable service,” Reyhanian added. “It is like paying for a five-star holiday and getting a one-star holiday, you are entitled to compensation.”
What universities are involved?
Following the UCL settlement, 36 universities have received pre-action letters outlining the legal argument. These letters demand specific actions from institutions. Universities UK, representing over 140 institutions, described the pandemic as an “unprecedented challenge” and noted that the sector had to “adapt to a fast-changing situation.” A spokesperson explained: “During some periods of lockdown, universities were not permitted to offer in-person teaching as usual, and instead they adjusted quickly and creatively to allow students to complete their degrees.”
How much compensation could you get?
The amount of compensation awarded to students depends on the university, the fees paid, and the extent of their experience. Courses requiring more in-person instruction or facility use may influence the settlement. The Student Group Claim estimates that UK-resident undergraduates affected by the pandemic could receive an average of £5,000 in compensation.
Google users can see more from their preferred sources in search results – click here to make yours Sky News.
The law firms that jointly brought the case, Harcus Parker, continue to advocate for students’ rights under English consumer law.
