My school is at it again!

[TeachKat]

With the usual spectacular disregard for good practice and staff wellbeing, my school is messing around with my timetable. I usually work three full days a week (I went part time a couple of years ago as, at 64 years old, with severe asthma, osteoarthritis and severe osteoporosis, I was finding the physical demands too much). Now school has decided to move one of my lessons each day and put them on an afternoon when I don’t presently work. I have been informed that this is happening- apparently my agreement isn’t needed! I am angry and upset about the manner in which this has happened as well as at being expected to come in on an extra half day for not a penny extra money

[Poobah]

Normally, the contract shows your working schedule if you're part time, at a minimum the hours contracted. Unless an agreement has been reached with the employer, neither side can change the contract without being in breach. If you're a union member it may be time to seek advice and support from your representative.

[TeachKat in reply to Poobah]

Thank you- I have spoken to my union rep who is supportive but unsure how to proceed .

[Poobah in reply to TeachKat]

Firstly, I would dig out your contract and email the school, asking them to put in writing their new schedule for you & request that they explain how that schedule meets the terms of your contract (double check your contract first - it should have been updated when you went part time). You cannot be asked to do additional hours to those contracted and some contracts can even stipulate days of the week worked, so definitely check out what yours says before writing to the employer (e.g. 15 hours over 3 days).

I've known HR to have failed to update contracts when staff change their working patterns. Agreed working patterns should not be changed without consultation. In addition to the contractual minefield, in your case the school should have also considered an occupational health review as you're covered by the Equality Act 2010 and as such, changes to your working patterns may affect your health and well-being.

Of course, if you already have reasonable adjustments as a result of an earlier occupational health review then any working changes should automatically trigger another review in order to assess the potential risks associated with those changes. So you may wish to also request an occupational health review in your email.

Run this past your union rep as a matter of courtesy - reps can withdraw support & advice if you choose not to take their advice. Doing nothing isn't an option and if the rep isn't sure of their employment law knowledge then they should seek advice from their HQ.

[Bevvy]

So you would effectively be at work 3 1/2 days?? I certainly wouldn’t be happy with the situation. I would be speaking with union to seek their help and advice.

I know this has been raised before but could you retire? Would school support medical retirement? That way you would receive full pension but has to be medically agreed.

I would also discuss with union all that has happened over past few years and query constructive dismissal!

Whatever decisions you make they won’t be easy but with the history you have I am wondering if they aren’t deliberately trying to make things so difficult you leave?

Finally I would insist with union that you deal with branch secretary not a regular rep. I think is now so difficult and complicated that you need representation by full time official rather than a rep.

Let us know how you get on.

[TeachKat]

Thank you - I am getting closer to looking into medical retirement and I am going to contact the branch rep as soon as I can. I have really had enough of this!

[Flower00]

After a very difficult phase with work myself I took the plunge and retired. There is not a day goes by when I think it's the best thing I ever did. Not easy because I was very passionate about my work. My ailments are now under control and I am so much happier. Fill my time doing things I want now. Good luck

[Itswonderful]

Agreed!

[Penelope321]

Sorry to hear that! I’m a teacher in Canada. Why does it seem that there is a general disregard for the health of teachers in their own school buildings no matter where in the world we teach? That’s disheartening and disquieting - we work after all in a “helping” profession but no one wants to help the ones that devote their lives to helping others. I’m sorry to hear that they are changing your schedule. It doesn’t sound legal. If you are half time in the morning how can they just change you to the afternoon? Sounds like someone in charge is being an a******e, if you ask me. There are a lot of callous people in charge of schools. Not all, but too many for my liking. The person who made that decision will one day have to face challenges of their own and will then know what it feels like to have no support. That is my karmic wish for all the a*****es out there. Hope it all works out for you and that your union can help you solve this. Go to your doctor and see if they can write you a note.