knowing your rights
The
role of the teacher is being continually broadened and the requirements for the
job are becoming more diverse. Teachers today are expected to become experts in
teaching, classroom management, ICT, discipline, and are often required to work
in run-down schools with dilapidated equipment, confrontational pupils and lack
of support from heads and colleagues. As the teachers'
job becomes more demanding, the greater the likelihood of accidents happening,
of tempers getting lost and the essential requirements of the job being overlooked.
Cases of teachers committing suicide have been widely reported in the media, and
a record settlement of £300,000 was recently awarded to a teacher who suffered
a nervous breakdown brought on by stress suffered at work.
Get to know your rights - Q: Are you protected
against working in an unsafe environment? What does the law say? Do you have to
put up and shut up?
- Q: Are you pregnant and not sure where
you stand? What does the law say about your obligations and your employer's duties?
- Q: Do you think that you are being sexually harassed? What
is the legal definition?
- Q: Have you been accused of assault?
Has a pupil assaulted you? What happens now?
Some
answers - A: The law states that your employer must
provide a safe environment for you to work in. If you are injured at work, you
may be able to obtain compensation from your employer.
- A:
Legislation lays down many provisions that protect a pregnant employee. This covers
such requirements as time off for antenatal appointments and statutory maternity
pay. These are statutory and contractual rights, and your individual contract
may include additional benefits. If you have not been given the benefits that
you are entitled to then you have legal remedy and will be able to take your employers
to an employment tribunal.
- A: Sexual harassment is illegal.
You have protection under the Sex Discrimination Act
- A:
If you are assaulted by a pupil, the pupil stands to be arrested and charged.
You may be able to make a claim to the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority.
Teachers online
If you have
any questions or issues relating to teaching, Just for teachers can help. Mail
us at yourrights@justforteachers.co.uk,
giving a brief account of your concerns. We will outline your rights and advise
you of the best routes to finding help. Some of your concerns will be featured
on this page, but we will ensure to protect your anonymity. Where
to get help - Your union. If you are a subscribing
member of the NUT or the NASUWT you can get free legal advice from their legal
teams. Contact your local secretary or regional centre.
- ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration
Service) on 020 72103000 (www.acas.org.uk).
ACAS is a free service, which seeks to:
- Prevent
and resolve employment disputes.
- Conciliate in actual or
potential complaints.
- Provide information and advice.
- Promote
good practice.
- Seek the advice of a solicitor.
Contact your regional Law Society and they will be able to advise on solicitors
in your area who specialise in employment law.
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