The UK’s UK’s Best Best Student Student Publication Publication 2023 2023 The
FR
EE
ISSUE 762 13 NOV 2024 exepose.com @exepose
THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987 Image: LornaMCampbell, Wikimedia Commons
Over £1.5 million spent on Industrial Action Compensation Scheme Movember in Exeter
Amy Rushton Editor-in-Chief
Page 6
Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor
L The US economy and why Trump won Page 12
EXCLUSIVE
AST year’s Industrial Action Compensation Scheme cost the University over £1.5 million, it has been revealed. According to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request obtained by Exeposé, the University spent a grand total of £1,567,300 on the 2022/23 Industrial Action Compensation Scheme. The Scheme was created in the aftermath of the 2022/23 industrial action by the Exeter branch of the University and College Union (UCU) which saw a marking and assessment boycott and strikes. The Scheme served to “provide compensation as a gesture of good will to students who have
been impacted by the industrial action.” A total of 4,700 students claimed compensation from the University, including 4383 undergraduates and 317 postgraduate taught students. The largest amount given was £2000 while the smallest was £100. The median amount given was £750 but the most common figure was £150. When asked for comment, a spokesperson from the University said, “the University’s commitment to protecting students’ learning outcomes was the first priority throughout the 2022/23 academic year’s period of national industrial action. While every effort was taken to mitigate the disruption to our students from strikes and/or the Marking and Assessment Boycott, inevitably some were impacted as a result. “The Industrial Action Compensation Scheme was therefore introduced to provide compensation as a gesture of good will
to impacted undergraduate and postgraduate taught students. Each application under the Scheme was assessed to determine the impact of each individual circumstance, including lost learning and any mitigation measures that were undertaken, such as provision of alternative learning materials . “Each case was considered on its own merits, and the level of any compensation offered through the scheme followed the good practice guidance as set out by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA).” A spokesperson from the Students’ Guild said, “we are aware of the challenges our students have faced due to the 2022/23 industrial action. As your Students’ Guild, our priority is always to ensure your learning outcomes and university experience are protected as much as possible during difficult times. “While the introduction of the Uni-
versity’s Industrial Action Compensation Scheme was a step towards recognising the disruption many of you experienced, we understand that this is just one part of what’s needed to support you. We promoted the scheme when it was open and encouraged students to apply, as part of our commitment to advocating for all students who’ve felt the impact of these events. We remain dedicated to ensuring that the University is proactive in addressing any ongoing concerns related to your studies and wellbeing. “Our work isn’t done. Your Education Officer, Sebastian Racisz, hopes to continue working with relevant groups and the University to ensure your voice is heard in all future discussions. As ever, the Guild is here to listen, support, and fight for the best possible outcomes for all Exeter students.”
Violence outside Exeter tapas restaurant forces closure
The consequences of AI chatbots Page 28
Images (top to bottom): Movember Foundation Wikimedia Commons, FMT, Jernej Furman via Wikimedia Commons
Gracie Moore and Agata Koralewska Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor
L
A Lola, one of Exeter’s many international food restaurants, opened in 2023 and has recently closed down, following the owner’s claims of continuous antisocial behaviour in front of the business, and attacks based on his nationality. An announcement can be seen displayed on its window, stating that “the business will remain closed until the Devon and Cornwall Police or the
Exeter City Council can ensure the safety of our customers and staff ”. Exeposé spoke to owner, Francisco Montes, to discuss the events. The assault that took place on the 8th September and left the owner injured was not the first incident, but it led to the venue’s closure. He stated that drugs were consumed regularly near the front door, obstructing the entrance and scaring potential customers away. The nearby telephone booth is not in service and it has become a regular hangout spot for drug consumers. The owner expressed that him and his partner felt sca-
red when working at the restaurant or going home. So much so, his partner left the business as she felt so unsafe. Francisco believes these attacks are xenophobic as people often shout remarks at him such as “go back to your f*cking country” and have been seen on CCTV threatening him with knives as well as throwing eggs at the front entrance of the restaurant. When the owner showed signs of resistance, they went as far as to break his personal property, such as outside tables or chairs. When asked about the response from the police, Francisco claims they
have not attended the scene even two hours after calling and have even said that they have lost the CCTV and mobile phone footage he provided, meaning they couldn’t continue the investigation. By time of printing, the police had not commented on this claim. As a response, Sector Inspector Nathan Johnson said that the police have been investigating this, as well as a separate incident of a racially aggravated public order offence concerning the same premises which occurred in April 2024. Continued on page 4