STOP PRESS – Governor Services, Education Intranet and EPS Intranet
Schools will be aware that NUT is in an on-going dispute with the Government over teachers’ pay, conditions and pensions and will be participating in a day of industrial action on 10 July 2014.
In addition, GMB, UNISON and UNITE have rejected the offer of a 1 per cent pay increase to Local Government employees (excluding teachers) for the financial year 2014/15.The offer includes a higher increase of between £175 and £580 (equivalent to between 1.25% and 4.66%) for those on the bottom six pay points of the National Joint Council (NJC) pay framework*.
The Employers Side of the NJC have made it clear to the Trades Unions, through the negotiations, that the 1 per cent pay offer is the final offer, and represents the limit of affordability. Any industrial action will not result in an improved offer on pay for 2014 and as a result of the dispute, any national pay awards to staff are delayed.
This means that across Hampshire County Council members of UNISON, GMB and UNITE and the NUT are expected to participate in the day of industrial action which is likely to cause disruption to many departments, services and schools.
Unless participating in the industrial action, staff are expected to attend work on 10 July 2014 unless they have, management approval for leave, or any other authorised absence has already been obtained. It is recognised that where schools are closed, staff with children may be impacted. Staff should therefore consider alternative arrangements where possible.
Headteachers should have received an email with a letter,prepared on behalf of Hampshire County Council maintained schools for you to issue to all teaching staff. This letter explains the pay implications of participating in industrial action or of otherwise being absent on the day of industrial action. Additionally, EPS has produced some Frequently Asked Questions for your use.
Academy schools are also potentially subject to industrial action although the appropriate notification should be provided to the Academy. Headteachers of academies who purchase Hampshire Education Personnel Services should have received an email with a model letter to issue to teaching staff and the Frequently Asked Questions.
Where headteachers and governing bodies are considering the impact on their school ahead of the day and considering whether they can use casual staff, parents or volunteers to assist, they are reminded that a full risk assessment will need to be undertaken, based on the number of staff/volunteers available on the day, their skills/experience and knowledge of the children in the school. All headteachers and governing bodies must ensure that those working or volunteering in the school have been subject to normal safeguarding checks in accordance with the guidance in the Manual of Personnel Practice.
Additionally, schools should be aware that Children’s Services is also potential subject to this industrial action..
Further Advice
Governors, headteachers and administrative officers should contactEducation Personnel Services Helpdesk on 02380 383500 or via where there are queries.