Breakfast Briefing for School Leaders | industrial action and strikes in schools
Created specifically for education leaders by those who support them on a daily basis, this free webinar will provide a helpful update on the key issues impacting the sector right now, answer common queries currently being asked by schools, and help you to manage staff and maintain safety and compliance.
Tuesday, 24 January at 9.30 am
With widespread industrial action looming – including several days from the start of February until mid-March across England and Wales – school leaders will naturally be concerned about the potential chaos that a mass walkout of staff could cause in the months ahead.
While the NASUWT failed to reach the threshold for lawful strike action, the NEU has announced that it will be taking industrial action on various dates starting from 1 February through to March. We could therefore be on course for the biggest shutdown of schools for many years.
Already, schools and nurseries across Scotland have been forced to shut their doors in a still-unresolved row over pay, with unions arguing that inflation above 10% means staff are facing a real-terms pay cut.
As school leaders brace for impact, join us to get clued up on the legalities of industrial action so that you are prepared to respond.
Plus, get practical guidance on your messaging to staff, specifically in regard to the implications of taking part in industrial action, and the legal protections afforded to those who do.
And with full closures or fewer staff on site, we’ll be addressing the knock-on effect on health and safety. We’ll share some helpful hints and tips to help ensure risks are being managed during this period so that you can continue to meet your obligations under health and safety law.
Led by solicitor and Head of our Education Team, Jane Hallas, and Principal Health & Safety Consultant Andy Hooke, this free one-hour seminar will cover:
- How to prepare for the possibility of industrial action
- When (and how much) pay should be deducted from those taking part in the strike
- How to manage staffing levels – to what extent can you ask staff to cover classes or enlist the help of supply teachers?
- Teachers’ rights when on strike – and how to ensure you don’t fall foul of the law
- An update on the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill recently introduced to Parliament
- How to continue to meet your health and safety duties during a period of industrial action
- Tips on maintaining a healthy and safe work environment for those who remain in work
Have a question?
At the end of the session we will hold a quick Q&A. If you already have a query in mind, submit it via the registration form so that our hosts can review it in advance.
Register below
Supporting you during industrial action and beyond
WorkNest’s Employment Law and HR specialists can provide up-to-date pragmatic advice on the legalities of industrial action and support you with messaging and communication with staff who are taking part in the strike to reduce your risk of claims.
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