Clarifying points in St Augustine’s case

Dear Editor After reading the Advertiser’s reporting on the case of the three teachers being moved from their positions at St Augustine’s Primary, I felt it necessary to clarify several points that were made in the news article. The article claims that the

three teachers “were found to be educating below sufficient standard after an inspection report delivered in May”.

This is simply not the case. The inspection report did not name any individual teachers.

Furthermore, none of the teachers being directed to move have, at any time, had issues raised about their performance. These are long serving, experienced teachers who all have worked for 19 or more years at the School.

The NASUWT is not arguing for a blanket removal of the mobility clause from all teachers’ contracts; such a clause has benefits for employees and employers when used appropriately. What the NASUWT is challenging is the abuse of the clause and employers who seek to use spurious grounds on which to invoke it.

It should be noted that it is not only the NASUWT’s view that the clause had been misused. The Court of Session found the Employer’s use of the mobility clause to be capricious in this circumstance and granted the NASUWT an interim interdict preventing our members being forcibly removed from the School.

Ms Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT

Inspection report St Augustine’s Primary School in Coatbridge