The recent strike action caused disruption to thousands of schools across the UK, leaving parents and their employers in a difficult position according to an employment expert at Hatchers Solicitors.
Members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) took strike action on Thursday 30th June 2011 due to pension reforms. The strike caused many schools to close for the day meaning parents had to take time out to care for their children.
Bill Lamplugh, Employment Solicitor at Hatchers said:
“Employment legislation affords protection for domestic 'emergencies'. This enables employees who are carers to take unpaid time off work and not to be subjected to a detriment for doing so. The legislation covers unforeseen circumstances and the employee will be expected to make alternative childcare arrangements given that prior warning of the school closure will be given. However, it would appear harsh to discipline any employee should it not prove possible to achieve alternative childcare.”
Employers who are unable to accommodate the non-attendance of workers may wish to consider the provision of childcare facilities such as the establishment of a crèche onsite or to liaise with local childcare agencies to discover what services they may offer.
Bill continues:
“Employers should be careful that they deal properly with any requests for time off and must not subject any parents to a detriment for requesting this.”
