Schools

• NUT strike 24 April - UNISON advice to members

The NUT has announced it will be taking strike action on 24th April in England and Wales. UCU are still balloting their members but if they get a yes vote they too will take strike action in Further Education colleges on 24th April.

UNISON Advice UNISON respects the rights of other trade unions to take industrial action. UNISON members in schools and colleges have not been balloted and therefore they are advised to continue with their normal duties and responsibilities. UNISON members should not take on any additional responsibilities being given to them directly as a result of the NUT/UCU industrial action. In particular, school support staff should not be expected to provide cover for, or take classes, where this would normally be done by NUT members on strike. For example, HLTAs or cover supervisors should only be taking classes or providing cover where this would normally happen and they are timetabled to do so.

Members are reminded that due to industrial relations legislation only those employees who have been involved in a legal ballot are allowed to take industrial action. However, members may wish to show support for their NUT/UCU colleagues by attending meetings/rallies outside working hours.

Official Picket Lines Refusal to cross an official picket line could render members of staff liable to disciplinary action including deduction of salary. The exception to this is where there are genuine grounds to believe that crossing the picket line could put the person concerned at risk of injury. Members are advised that when crossing a picket line they should assure the NUT/UCU members that they will not undertake any work normally done by those on strike. NUT and UCU are unlikely to expect UNISON members to do anything unlawful.

Risk Assessment Branches and school/college representatives are advised to raise the issue of risk assessments with schools and colleges. In particular under Regulation 3(3)(b) of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers are required to review risk assessments if there has been any significant changes in the matters to which risk assessments relate.

Schools and colleges should be reviewing any risks and health and safety procedures, including evacuation of schools and colleges taking account of the impact of NUT/UCU members taking strike action.

If headteachers/principals decide to close the school or college and where UNISON members are advised not to turn up for work they should not suffer any deduction of pay or be expected to work additional hours to make up the time.

• Little Pocket Book

UNISON has published the "Little Pocket Book" for school support staff and the wider school workforce. An A6 booklet, it will shortly be sent to all schools where UNISON has members

Author: Andrew Coburn