Welcome to the new term we hope you have all enjoyed a pleasant Easter Break and settled back into the school term.
UNISON would like to update you on a number of matters relating to school support staff as follows
Mainstream schools who received temporary additional hours as a result of the EPR.
Following discussions with DCC and with the support of the acting Chief executive, schools have been contacted asking them to make all hours permanent wherever possible. We are delighted at the response and can confirm that the vast majority of schools employing school support staff are now on permanent contracts, which include the additional hours that were put forward as ‘mitigation’ against the losses experienced . Where this has not been possible, all schools have confirmed the continuation of the temporary hours and both UNISON and DCC are committed to following up these schools during the summer term to ask them once again to review their position.
Several schools have reported that additional hours have been reduced by mutual agreement as staffs are now experiencing lower losses as they enjoy the benefit of increments and pay increases.
Special needs schools.
Members in special needs schools have been consulted on an individual school basis and have agreed (with the exception of one school who will be consulted next week) that the offers put forward in their individual school have resulted in increases in pay and /or opportunities to apply for higher level positions and that these measures are sufficient to avoid further action.
Pay award update
UNISON accepted the NJC pay offer and our colleagues in Derby City Council payroll have confirmed that the pay award and the annual progression increments will be reflected in your April pay. (Please note that if your payroll is handled by an external provider this may not be the case but it should be backdated when it is applied)
Annual leave accrued during periods of sickness and maternity absence.
Derby City Council has issued guidance to all schools on this subject. If you have had periods of sickness absence which spans the school holidays you be due reinstatement of leave at another time. Speak to your rep or contact the branch if you think this may affect you
Workplace meetings
If you would like a schools representative to visit your school to update you on UNISON training opportunities, equal pay claims, the 2018 pay award or any matter relating to your employment please contact the branch office and we would be pleased to arrange a suitable appointment .