Ask the union

Lower TLR for temporary cover

I’VE been promoted to head of department for a year to cover maternity leave. The position is usually paid at TLR2, but I’m being paid at a TLR3. The school says it is because the post is temporary, but this feels unfair.

You are right. In a situation such as this, where a teacher is temporarily occupying a different post in the staffing structure to which a teaching and learning responsibility (TLR) payment is attached, the TLR concerned – in this case, TLR2 – should be awarded on a temporary basis and for the duration of the responsibility concerned.

The statutory guidance in section 3 of the school teachers’ pay and conditions document includes as examples teachers who are covering for maternity or sick leave, a vacancy or a secondment. n Visit bit.ly/3X1;8qJj

Redundancy if I don’t get job?

I’M a teacher on a fixed-term contract. The school has decided to make my position permanent. I hoped the school would give the job to me, but it has decided to advertise. If I’m unsuccessful, am I entitled to redundancy?

If you have worked for the same employer for two years or longer, it can only end your employment for a reason that is fair in law.

One such reason could be redundancy. However, if there is an ongoing need for the role this would not be a redundancy situation and the school would be unlikely to be able to rely on that as a fair reason for dismissal. Have you asked why your employer is advertising the role?

Colleague’s inappropriate behaviour towards student teacher

I’M a student teacher on a six-week placement. I’m concerned about one of the teachers in the department. He often uses sexist language and gets too close to me. I don’t want to jeopardise my course, so I’m unsure what to do.

You are right to raise this issue. Your colleague’s behaviour is inappropriate and unprofessional. Sexual harassment and sex-based harassment is unlawful.

You have a right to a safe placement; your course provider and the school should take steps to protect you from harassment and any further repercussions.

If you can, discuss your concerns with your NEU rep. If not, contact the union’s AdviceLine (0345 811 8111). You could deal with the matter informally – you or your rep could write to the colleague asking him to stop using sexist language and to respect your personal space. You could make a complaint to your training provider – they should take steps to ensure that you and other student teachers are not being subjected to unlawful conduct by school staff.

A formal grievance might be necessary if an informal approach is not appropriate or effective. If your colleagues have raised similar concerns about this colleague, you may be advised to lodge a collective grievance jointly. The process might not conclude before the end of your sixweek placement but working together might prove to be more effective in empowering colleagues, raising morale and avoiding further harassment.

The objective will be to stop the unwanted behaviour and allow you to continue your training in a professional environment free from harassment.

n Visit neu.org.uk/end-sexism-sexual-harassment

If you went through a competitive interview process in the first place, then your school is not required to re-advertise the post in order to offer it to you on a permanent basis. Equally, if others have been kept on after fixed-term contracts and you have not, it would be worth exploring why this is the case. Check your contract of employment/staff handbook to ensure your employer is adhering

Free CPD webinars for all NEU members

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

Disruption in the classroom: managing challenging situations

This session for early career teachers and trainees looks at how to deal with more challenging classroom behaviour, giving you the confidence to employ de-escalation techniques, use your voice and body language to influence behaviour and keep thorough and appropriate records.

7 March from 11am-12.30pm

Effective teaching and learning strategies

Low-effort, high-impact ideas for any classroom, including dual coding, abstract/concrete representations, questioning, modelling and retrieval.

8 March from 4-5.15pm

Securing your first job

Applying for roles, interview technique and considerations when starting a new role.

9 March from 3.45-5pm

Developing middle leaders (level 2) This programme for experienced middle leaders, run in partnership with UCL’s to the contract and its own policies.

If you have less than two years’ employment then your recourse may be limited to your contractual rights. Speak to your workplace rep or contact the NEU adviceline to consider your options.

Please email your questions to educate@neu.org.uk

Centre for Educational Leadership, will look at the psychology of leadership, and blend up-to-date research with practical activities to develop your confidence and leadership skills.

14 March-18 July

SEND webinar week

A series of webinars focusing on SEND theory and practical classroom ideas.

21-24 March n Webinars are available for seven days. n Email cpd@neu.org.uk or visit neu.org.uk/national-cpd