GOVERNMENT guidance for students returning home for Christmas during the pandemic is welcome but “riddled with holes,” the University and College Union (UCU) said today.

Universities Minister Michelle Donelan has announced plans for a travel window from December 3 and December 9 to allow students to spend the festive period with family. 

She said students travelling home to England from other parts of Britain should undertake at least a fortnight of “refined behaviour” to avoid contracting Covid-19 beforehand.

Universities in England have been told to set staggered departure dates during the travel week, which is set to take place after the national lockdown in England is expected to end.

English universities have been encouraged to offer rapid result Covid tests, and end in-person teaching by December 9, so students have enough time to self-isolate before returning home.

If a student tests positive for Covid-19 on or before this date, they must self-isolate at university for 10 days, according to the Department for Education (DfE).

Asked why students were not being told to isolate for a fortnight, Ms Donelan said it had been a “very difficult” term and the government wants to allow students to go home.

Students who test negative at university on or before December 9 – but are identified as a close contact of someone infected – will be allowed to return to their families but must continue self-isolation at home for 14 days, according to the DfE.

Ms Donelan said she expected Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to set out their plans for students in the coming days.

University and College Union (UCU) general secretary Jo Grady said the week-long travel window “leaves little room for error,” and called for teaching to be moved online as soon as possible to allow more time for staggered travel.

She added that the plans for mass testing fall short of universal coverage and that some universities are set to receive no tests.

Ms Grady also urged the government to enable students to learn remotely next term if there is a Covid-19 third wave, and help release students that wish to stay at home from accommodation contracts.

Trade union Unison’s senior national education officer Ruth Levin said university staff “need clarity” on who will deliver mass testing to students, and that those who take it on need funding, risk assessments, training and safety kits.