ATL

Employment practice in the independent sector

Conference has called for minimum standards of employment in the independent sector.

Executive members Peter Linnecar and Peter Walker said that all those employed by independent schools should have the right to enjoy:

a pay policy, including a pay scale and a guaranteed annual cost of living increase

a written contract of employment

fair, objective and timely policies and procedures such as on discipline, capability and grievance

family-friendly policies including the right to work flexibly where possible

a redundancy policy to include redundancy pay, paid at a rate based on actual salary as a minimum

protection from discrimination on the basis of age as provided by the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006.

Peter Walker described to delegates the advice detailed in ATL's new guidance publication: Guide to working in the Independent sector. He said: "Employees need to be aware of their rights and the expectations they should reasonably of their employers. Our members in the independent sector need to be actively supported when their rights are affected.

"This resolution seeks to declare continued support by ATL for its members independent sector and recommends an important tool, the new handbook for all independent school members."

Calling for a minimum level employment practice, Peter Linnecar said: "It's not unknown for teachers in independent schools to have no written contract and to work 12 hour days at the weekend. However, he reminded Conference that ATL was the only union that has its own conference and quarterly newsletter specifically for those members working in the independent sector.

The resolution was carried unanimously.