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Tougher rules on homeworking introduced

A flag.

Örebro University is now introducing tougher rules on what staff are required to work on campus.
This follows the Government’s new decision aiming to reduce the number of government employees working onsite.

On Friday, the Government charged all public authorities, including universities, with ensuring that “all non-essential staff are to work from home”.

Over the weekend, the university management team and the managers in question have reviewed the situation at Örebro University’s three campus sites. Following consultation with the university’s crisis management team, the vice-chancellor has decided on new restrictions.

For most staff and students, work and studies will continue as before also at the beginning of next semester. As far as possible, remote teaching will continue, as will remote electronic exams, until 28 March.

But some staff and those that visit the library will be affected by the new decision.

The basic principle is now for all staff to work from home until 24 January. To fulfil our mandate as a government authority and to maintain essential basic services, however, some functions will still need to be staffed on campus.

The following personnel are exempt from the homeworking rule:

  • Switchboard and reception 
  • IT/AV support
  • Cleaning services, caretaking services, goods and mail handling 
  • Degree administration, admissions 
  • Exam administration, Info Centre  
  • Payroll 
  • Accounting services 
  • Housing Office (on arrival of international students, if any)  
  • Security  

Teaching staff can be present on campus in connection with certain teaching activities or examinations. The same goes for research staff when it comes to research activities that require on-campus presence.

Other exceptions may be made, although to a very limited degree. Such decisions are to be taken by the immediate manager in consultation with their immediate supervisor.  

A key card will continue to be required for access to most university premises.