The NASUWT - the teachers’ union has today written to the
Secretary of State for Education raising deep concerns about the
unacceptable actions some employers are taking at a time of
national crisis.
The Union has been dealing with hundreds of calls from distressed
and anxious teachers where employers are continuing with
procedures that will lead to job loss or detrimentally affect
teachers’ pension provision.
Contracts are being prematurely terminated with immediate loss of
salary. Government guidance on unnecessary journeys is being
ignored. Teachers are being penalised for self-isolating and in
some cases teachers with vulnerable health conditions as defined
by Government are being told their condition is only ‘mild’ and
they should be at work.
Ms Chris Keates, NASUWT Acting General Secretary said:
“In these unprecedented times, we have seen the best of
employers, showing genuine concern and care for teachers,
headteachers and other staff, who are in the frontline providing
ongoing support for the children of other key workers and
vulnerable children.
“Regrettably, however, we are also experiencing the worst of
employers who are choosing to ignore the reality of the current
situation and callously, unfairly and unjustifiably continuing
with practices which are adversely affecting teachers’ lives and
livelihoods.
“Teachers rights and entitlements are being trampled over, as
these opportunistic employers drive through procedures and
processes and make decisions which will lead to job loss and in
some cases immediate loss of income as contracts are prematurely
terminated.
“We have lost count of the number of cases where we have been
contacted by highly distressed teachers with underlying health
conditions who, according to Government guidelines, should not be
in work but are being subjected to their medical diagnosis being
second guessed by employers.
“The cases we have been dealing with in the last few days sadly
demonstrate that too many employers have lost their humanity when
dealing with their staff and not even a national crisis has been
able to cause them to change their ways.”
Notes for editors
A copy of the letter to the Secretary of State is attached.
