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The Digest:

More than 170,000 current and former students are pursuing legal action against 36 UK universities, claiming they did not receive the full education they paid for during the Covid-19 pandemic. The mass legal action follows a confidential settlement between University College London (UCL) and the Student Group Claim, which now represents students from other institutions. Pre-action letters have been sent to universities including Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Manchester, warning that damages will be sought for courses delivered online rather than in-person. The claims focus on the tuition fee difference between online and in-person delivery, with an economic analysis of lost learning forming the basis of cases. Universities UK defended institutions, stating the pandemic was an "unprecedented challenge" requiring quick adaptation. The deadline for Covid-related claims is September 2026.

Key Points:
  • The mass legal action could result in significant compensation payouts for students who paid full fees for reduced services.
  • It sets a precedent for holding institutions accountable for service delivery during emergencies.
  • Students seek redress for disrupted education, while universities face financial and reputational risks.
  • This signals the long-term legal consequences of pandemic-era educational disruptions.
  • The timing, with a September 2026 deadline, allows for comprehensive case preparation.

The lawsuit against 36 universities seeks compensation for students who paid full fees but received online-only tuition during the pandemic, with UCL already settling confidentially.

Sources: The Punch, BBC, Asserson Solicitors