Web 2008 05 30

Just before the half term break 4 local volunteer officers took part in Regional Casework training day at Stone in Stafford shire.

Jane Siddons ( works for NUT on these cases) gave a useful insight to her work for the NUT in criminal cases. The important point being that if you are ever “in trouble” with the Police in connection with your teaching job and are required to be interviewed at the Police Station you should contact Regional office so that the appropriate instruction can be given to the solicitor.( this is in office hours) If you are unfortunate to be arrested for an accusation in connection with your teaching then use the duty solicitor until Region can be contacted. Do not talk without a solicitor present.

Tony Pearce ( Regional NUT officer based at Stafford) worked through the concept of “ Constructive Dismissal” and how important it is to have witnesses to the incidents that a member may consider to be of this type. These are not easy cases to pursue.

Avril Bailey ( Regional solicitor based at Stafford) outlined the importance of evidence in Civil cases including Personal injury/ stress. The NUT can only deal with those that are work related. Witnesses and photographs are extremely useful. Contact with the NUT is essential to asses whether there is a case to be answered, but often a local authority will have its own personal accident policy.

Cheryl Crumbley ( NUT officer based at Stafford) outlined how Compromise Agreements work.

The volunteer officers from the Shropshire Division liaise with the Regional Office in Stafford. They will advise members and refer to Regional office where appropriate. Members may also ring Regional Office for advice.

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Retirement Planning Seminar from Teachers Assurance at the Lord Hill on Tuesday was well attended. Any teacher who was unable to attend can arrange a personal meeting for advice from David Bramwell on 01743 248019

The Divisional Secretaries meeting with the Local authority this week included:-
Update on School organisation – A commission has been set up to look at this
Points were raised in connection with the “ Caring about Sickness policy” after the comments made in the Shropshire re the cost of sick ness absence in schools – please note anyone experiencing sickness should find this policy useful. Referral to Occupational Health is a supportive action.
Any queries please get in touch with Divisional secretary.
Trips and Visits Guidance – please remember to refer to the Local authority guidance. The NUT supports out of classroom activities provided the proper procedures are followed to ensure safety measures are in place.
Medicines and health Policy – this has been revised and will be available shortly on Shropshire LA website – it does include advice about other health issues such as TB , head lice etc .
Other issues this week have been about class sizes.

If you have any points to raise please get in touch

Web News 2008 04 25

Outstanding support for the Fair Pay Campaign with the National Strike on 24th April . Shropshire NUT members attended the Rally in Birmingham. The action was reported by Radio Shropshire, Beacon Radio and The Shropshire Star. Continue the campaign by writing to you local MP. Use the information from the National website www.teachers.org.uk The address of Parliament is the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

The Divisional secretary has met with the Local Authority to discuss Term dates for 2009/10, Single status, Flexible Working last week.
Cabinet members have met with Association Secretaries Group ( ASG) to consult on School Organisation.

The NUT were represented at the half yearly meeting with West Mercia Supplies (WMS). New catalogues are in schools ( Silver cover) . Bulk deals on p6 ish. Environmentally friendly supplies have a green background in the new catalogue. If you have any comments please email the Divisional Secretary.

Workforce Agreement Remodelling Monitoring Group (WAMG)
This agreement from 2003 continues to be monitored . Discussion at this weeks meeting included:- Performance Management update; CPD update and links with Edgehill; TDA deliverables; Primary and Secondary update- Remodelling advisers will be visiting schools with a survey this term;

Extended Schools guidance will soon be available in electronic form.
A reminder was also mentioned about the need to consult when changing the structure in a school in the same way as when TLRs were first introduced.

The Shropshire Division Committee met 16th April to discuss circulars from Hamilton House ( NUT HQ) and local issues, which included the Young Teachers weekend , the conditions of service for supply teachers, the Strike Action, School organisation, The untimely death of Steve Sinnott, and proposed local Briefings for members.