Teachers Denied School Access Amid Trust Dispute

A minimum of 25 educators at a secondary school have been denied entry following their decision to engage in industrial action, which falls short of a full strike. The dispute, which centers on workload and working practices, involves members of the NASUWT teachers’ union at Gable Hall School, located in Corringham, Essex. The school is presently managed by the Ortu Federation in conjunction with Mossbourne Trust Management, which is scheduled to assume formal control on December 31. The lockout, effective from Wednesday, was confirmed by the trust in correspondence sent to the union. The letter stated: “During this period of industrial action, the participating employees should stay away from work and will not be paid.” It further specified: “Participating staff will not be permitted to enter the premises or perform their duties until they are prepared to comply with their contractual obligations in full.” Kim Vollerthun, an organiser for NASUWT in the Eastern region, indicated that the trust had implemented new policies that were reportedly in conflict with the teachers’ contractual agreements. These policies included requirements for staff to supervise children during lunchtimes, participate in line-ups before lessons, and conduct cover lessons. Mr Vollerthun commented, “All of these elements and changes have a detrimental impact on their health and wellbeing and it has led to a lot of teachers leaving the school.” An educator, speaking to the BBC under anonymity, mentioned that staff had previously deferred action in November with the aim of achieving a compromise. This teacher stated that no time off in lieu or extra compensation had been provided for what they considered to be additional responsibilities, and expressed apprehension regarding what they termed “adverse management practices.” NASUWT indicated that its members intended to decline undertaking cover for absences, unless their employment contract was wholly or primarily based on this duty. The union also reported that it had directly brought the issue to the attention of the secretary of state for education. The Ortu Federation informed the BBC that it had requested staff members to “fulfil contractual obligations of 1,265 hours per academic year as set out in the current edition of the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document, which came into force on 3 November 2023.” It further stated: “The federation’s objectives are for students to learn in a safe environment and make excellent progress.”