Ask the union

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No vaccine, no pay to isolate?

I’VE chosen not to have a Covid vaccination, but I’m unsure whether the school will pay me if I have to isolate after being in contact with someone testing positive?

The NEU strongly urges all members who have not yet done so to accept the offer of the vaccination, and would expect employers to encourage maximum take-up.

The vaccine will only successfully diminish the capacity of the virus to kill or cause serious illness, and open up the possibility of a more normal life, with the widest possible take-up. Vaccination protects individuals but also helps break chains of transmission, something which urgently needs to happen in schools.

However, although it is inconvenient and creates additional work for other staff, the NEU believes that allowing unvaccinated staff to isolate in accordance with Government advice – on the basis that they are then available and required to work from home on full pay – is appropriate from a public health point of view.

Employers who seek to withhold pay from staff on the basis that their absence is due to a refusal to be vaccinated rather than having been in contact with a confirmed case should be aware that the Local Government Association has advised employers that this may not be supported by the courts. The NEU also argues that staff who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons should be allowed to work from home on full pay if they are a close contact of a confirmed case, despite Government advice that they can attend work.

Feeling the chill in class

WE are required to keep the windows open to help minimise the spread of Covid, but it means working in very cold conditions. Is there a minimum temperature for classrooms?

IMAGE by Robert Kneschke

The legal minimum temperature is 16°C, however the NEU position is that the temperature in classrooms should not fall below 18°C. This presents a challenge in respect of ventilation, but there are steps that can be taken.

Our joint union guide at neu.org. uk/advice/coronavirus-ventilation-andtemperature gives suggestions, including: n use CO2 monitors to identify areas that are poorly ventilated n use fan convector heaters in well-ventilated areas n reduce the numbers of students in certain rooms n thoroughly ventilate rooms between classes and uses. This involves opening windows fully for a short period of time. Subjecting rooms to periods of no occupancy also allows contaminants to dissipate.

High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration units filter out and trap tiny particles, such as coronavirus particles, from the air around them and can be very effective. However, it should be noted that, unlike airconditioning units, they are intended to be operated with windows and doors open – in other words, existing ventilation measures should be maintained.

Professional advice should be sought as to their purchase and installation, to obtain the desired results.

Job offer but no reference

I WAS recently offered a new job, but my previous school is ignoring my request for a reference. Without it, the job offer will be withdrawn. What can I do?

There is usually no obligation on your employer to provide a reference. However, references play a central role in the vetting of school staff.

The employers of school and sixth form college staff are required by statutory guidance to seek references as part of their pre-employment checks. It could be argued, therefore, that references are essential to getting a job in a school or college. Without references, it is virtually impossible to do so.

Consequently, an employer who exercises a ‘no references’ policy is likely to be acting in breach of their implied duty of trust and confidence. It is accepted practice in most schools and colleges that references will be provided if requested.

In the first instance you may ask your prospective employer whether they would accept references from another less recent employer instead.

If they refuse, contact the NEU AdviceLine, as it may be necessary to take the matter further.

Please email your questions

to educate@neu.org.uk

NEU members have exclusive access to our continuing professional development (CPD) webinars. Here are some of the courses coming up.

Themed weeks

Every Wednesday a CPD webinar is run on a variety of topics plus additional and themed weeks. 31 January-4 February Creativity week 14-18 March SEND week 16-20 May Mental health week

Developing middle leaders programme

Bookings are now open for developing middle leaders, which is run in partnership with University College London’s Centre of Education Leadership. This is a six-month interactive online programme suitable for those early in their roles as middle leaders.

n Places for all webinars are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. n Webinars are recorded and made available for seven days afterwards for those who have registered. n Follow us @NEU_CPD on Twitter. n All webinars can be booked via neu.org.uk/ national-cpd or scan this QR code (right).