Phoenix Law launches Group Action for Covid compensation claims on behalf of students against NI Universities

Phoenix Law Solicitors has today announced the launch of a group action on behalf of students whose university experiences at NI universities were significantly disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students paid full tuition fees with the expectation of receiving the complete university experience—comprising in-person teaching, access to campus facilities, and a robust educational environment as promised at enrolment. However, following the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown in Northern Ireland on 28 March 2020, NI universities suspended all in-person classes and moved to remote learning for the remainder of the semester. Although a brief hybrid approach was attempted in Autumn 2020, the university reverted to online teaching in Winter 2020. In-person teaching did not resume until January 2022. During this period, students faced limited or no access to essential facilities such as libraries and other campus resources.

Phoenix Law is pursuing claims on the following grounds:

• • Breach of Contract:

Students entered into a legally binding contracts with NI Universities upon enrolment, entitling them to in-person tuition, access to campus facilities, and a comprehensive educational experience. The shift to online learning was not an adequate substitute for these contracted services. NI Universities failed to provide an equivalent level of educational value, practical learning opportunities, or access to critical facilities and support services.

• • Consumer Rights Violations:

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, services must be provided with reasonable care and skill and must match their description. The failure to deliver promised educational services—especially in-person teaching and access to facilities—constitutes a violation of consumer rights.

• • Damages for Loss of Educational Experience:

Students have suffered significant losses, including reduced quality and quantity of teaching, missed networking and academic opportunities, loss of campus facilities, and mental and emotional distress due to the inability to fully engage in university life.

Phoenix Law is seeking compensation for affected students for the loss of their educational experience and associated damages resulting from NI Universities failures to provide the education promised.

Megan Burns, Phoenix Law said:

“Students paid for a full university experience. When these promises were not kept, it was not just disappointing—it was a breach of trust and contract. We would like to see students properly compensated for what they lost and Phoenix Law is committed to helping them achieve that outcome. We encourage anyone affected to come forward and join this group action.”

Invitation to Join the Group Action

Phoenix Law is inviting anyone whose university experience was adversely affected and is interested in join the group action, to reach out. All information provided will remain strictly confidential, and participants’ privacy will be fully protected throughout the legal process.

If you have been affected, please complete our confidential questionnaire via the link here.