The University of Leeds has announced further cost of living support for staff, students and post-graduate researchers (PGRs).
The package comes on the back of £40m costs that the University has already absorbed, including £26m of energy costs, halving proposed rent increases in halls of residence and subsidising low-cost hot meals for students, staff and PGRs in food outlets on campus.
The University awarded extra payments worth £650 to almost 4,000 eligible staff in July this year and will again be issuing a further £650 cash payment to those on our lower pay grades.
The student Financial Assistance Fund* will increase almost five-fold to £1.9m, with £500,000 ring-fenced to support PGRs.
A total of £320,000 has also been allocated to boost existing student support schemes, including support for care leavers and estranged students, the Leeds Masters Scholarships and testing for the Disabled Students’ Allowance, with free period product provision extended across more locations on campus.
The packages have been designed in collaboration with Leeds University Union (LUU) and are targeted at those who need help most.
Announcing the latest tranche of support, University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simone Buitendijk, said: “While the University cannot resolve the cost of living crisis, supporting the most vulnerable in our community through the current economic turbulence is essential.
“We’ve worked with colleagues and partners across the University to develop a set of measures targeted at those who need help most.
“Community is one of the key pillars of our University strategy and compassion is one of our core values. Supporting our staff and students through challenging times is of the utmost importance.”
Support available:
For students and PGRs
NEW
£1.5m addition to the student Financial Assistance Fund, with £500,000 ring-fenced for PGRs
For staff
NEW
£650 cash payment to staff on a grade 6 or below, in addition to £650 issued to this group in July 2022
Free period products across campus
EXISTING
- Access to up to £2,000 as an interest-free loan through the University staff assistance scheme
- Access to free counselling, mental health support and a range of other wellbeing support services
- Subsidised car parking
- A package of additional benefits.
* The Financial Assistance Fund is open to registered students, including international students and PGRs. Degree-Apprenticeships and Fully Online Distance Learning students are not eligible.