Row over jobs for teachers

Eric Baxter • Published 9 Sep 2010 14:00

A FURIOUS row has erupted after union chiefs accused Inverclyde Council of taking steps which could stop some teachers getting permanent jobs.

Twenty supply teachers have taken out a greivance against the local authority over concerns about how work is being allocated.

It’s claimed supply posts - filling in for absent teachers - have been going to new probationers rather than those with more experience.

And that means the more long-serving teachers may not achieve the two years of continuous service needed to qualify for a permanent position.

The EIS union today said it was ‘concerned’ there had been no consultation over changing the normal practice for allocating supply posts - and is calling for negotiations.

But council bosses insist there has never been an agreement about job allocation.

EIS Inverclyde secretary Tom Tracey said: “Inverclyde Council and the teachers’ trade unions have an agreement signed up to at the local negotiating committee for teachers, that after two years continuous service, teachers will be offered a permanent contract.

“Up until this session, Education Services has worked hard to ensure teachers’ continuous service was not broken.

“Yet this year, the teachers who have taken out the collective grievance have been denied work, while many of last session’s probationers have been given short and long-term posts.

“We are urging the council to meet with the teachers’ trade unions to discuss how the situation can be resolved.”

One EIS member, who did not want to be named, said: “I have been loyal to Inverclyde Council as I wish to teach in Inverclyde schools. However, it now seems my loyalty has been rewarded by my continuous service being broken and me having to build up my service all over again.”

A council spokeswoman said: “There has never been an agreement between the council and the teacher unions on the allocation of supply cover. The practice of employing newly-qualified teachers is not uncommon and is recognised by the Scottish Government as a positive approach.”

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 09 Sep 10

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