Job Hunting & Notice - Teacher

ultimatedingbat

Hi All
I work in a primary school, so I am aware that if I want to leave at Easter, I need to put my notice in by the 12th February.
Now what I want to ask is do I have to put my notice in before I start job hunting.
Without going into too much detail the school are putting me in a position that means I do not want to work there anymore, so whether I have a job lined up or not I will be leaving at Easter.

I have a job interview next Monday (found out today). Do I have to have put my notice in to attend it? In terms of requesting time off for it how does that work?

Info is appreciated

Takeaway_Addict

Unless there are agreements I do not know about then handing your notice in does not mean you are allowed time off for interviews. If you wish to goto an interview you will need to book it as holiday and if your current employer says no it puts you ina tricky position.

ThemeOne

No, you don't have to give notice just to attend an interview, though if you're 100% sure you want to leave then there's nothing to stop you giving notice.

Interviews must usually be attended in your own time, and that either means taking holiday or "sick" time.

What is your notice period?

Easter is Sun 27 March this year, so why do you have to give notice on 12 Feb?

iammumtoone

I nearly replied the same as above but stopped myself as I realised the OP works in a school therefore no holiday time in term time. I was wondering if the rules are different (even if not official) for schools as the OP will not be the only person working in a school who is job hunting.

As far as I am aware the only time you are allowed work time off without taking holiday for interviews is if you are at risk of being made redundant, but it may be different in schools as otherwise how are people suppose to find other work when they are not allowed to choose when to take holidays, therefore no time to attend interviews?

sangie595

ThemeOne wrote: »

Interviews must usually be attended in your own time, and that either means taking holiday or "sick" time.

There is no such thing as "sick" time. There is agreed leave, paid or unpaid. There is time off when you are genuinely sick. And there is time when you are dicing with dismissal for gross misconduct when you claim to be sick and aren't. It is too easy to get caught in the latter - don't do it. It is that much harder to find a job at all if you have been dismissed for lying to your employer about being sick. It tends to be an activity most employers frown on.

ThemeOne

If the OP is to do this by the book, her options seem a little limited to say the least given she can't take holiday in term time.

I suppose if she gives notice she could then reasonably request unpaid leave to attend an interview. The risk being of course her notice period would end and she's still jobless.

The risk of attending the interview on a sickie is she'll get found out - only the OP would know how likely that is. I guess if it's another local school word could get out.

The only other solution might be to time the interview for something like 5.30pm but it's hardly an ideal time for anyone really.

sangie595

ThemeOne wrote: »

The risk of attending the interview on a sickie is she'll get found out - only the OP would know how likely that is. I guess if it's another local school word could get out.
.

Or they ask for a reference and she's never had any time off for an interview? Or the potential employer phones up the existing one. Or vice versa. Or she's seen. Or any other thing that can happen when you lie.

If you are going to walk into an argument, do it on the truth. It is significantly harder to fairly dismiss someone for going to an interview than if they lie about being sick.

ThemeOne

Well, ultimatedingbat, I hope you manage to get to the interview somehow or other, as it sounds like your present situation isn't that great.

ultimatedingbat

Takeawayaddict - As has been said I think the rules,even if unofficially are not the same as were schools to refuse all interview leave, they would effectively be forcing you out of finding another job.

ThemeOne - I didn't want to give my notice until the last minute. Let's say I've heard all the stories about what happens to teachers when they put their notices and how difficult work becomes. As I'm a teacher I have to give a half terms notice.
It is rare for schools to interview outside of school time as part of the interview requires you to teach.

My present situation isn't great, without giving anymore details than are needed it's not a nice place to work.

In terms of interviews when off on the sick how does this work? I've been invited to an interview on Thursday. I am currently off work with an upper respiratory infection and have antibiotics. I obviously want to attend the interview, but am unsure how this stands legally?

iammumtoone

OP I would change your thread title to include the fact you are working in a school, hopefully you will get more advice that way from others in the same situation.

With regards to attending a job interview whilst off sick, I would say this is frowned upon whatever industry you work in, as if you are well enough to attend an interview you would be well enough to work.

ultimatedingbat

iammumtoone - I'm not sure how to change the title?

I agree frowned upon but legal standpoint? Part of the reason for the doctor providing the extended sick note to recover is the extra stress this job is creating