Advice - Starting new role and getting interview for another job

EMG29

Hi all,

Before Xmas I was offered a role in a school, after working almost 4 years in another role, it came as a surprise after several failed attempts at other roles, the role is an Pastoral Assistant role working with kids who don't engage in mainstream timetable.
The role is just less than £14,000 pro rata.

Over the Xmas period, after I was offered the role but hadn't yet started. I was intrigued to see what other roles were available in the area, and I saw a Pastoral Manager role going at the school that I previously attended as a pupil, asking for GCSEs and a load of experience that I felt like I had.

I thought I may aswell put in an application, without mentioning that I had a new role, as what was the harm, and the wage is almost £22,000 pro rata, and in the event that I got an interview, I could re-arrange a slot after school to do so, letting them know I had a new role in the process.

So, to much of my surprise, I've been invited for an interview on Friday. However it is an all-day interview, meaning I would have to take the day off.

So in saying that, I'm looking for some advice as to what to do in regards to my new role, what rights do I have if I tell them that I am going for an interview, which I will need a day off for, in the second week that I am there... I don't get it, could this be indirectly held against me, could they say No to letting me go for the interview?

I would rather be upfront with them, rather than calling in sick, as the school I am currently working in have a working relationship with the school I have an interview for (such as pupils having inclusion for a few days in each others schools) so there is a possibility they could find out if something is said between the two schools, even if I ask there be the strictest confidentiality as to me attending the interview, I think this could still happen.

I feel like this is too good of an opportunity to pass up, as it is 33% more money that what I am already on for one, and closer to home, but not too close. But I really don't know how to go about it, any advice is good advice.

TIA

sangie595

Whatever you do, do not lie (as in, phoning in sick). When they find out - either school - then you are likely to be dismissed for gross misconduct, and that will remain on any educational sector references.

You have no right to any time off. The employer is entitled to refuse. If they do you must decide whether you are willing to risk the job you have for one you might get.

TELLIT01

I wouldn't tell your current employer that you are going for an interview, phrase it along the lines that you have urgent personal business to attend to and need the Friday off.

Savvy_Sue

TELLIT01 wrote: »

I wouldn't tell your current employer that you are going for an interview, phrase it along the lines that you have urgent personal business to attend to and need the Friday off.

Working in a school, I'm not sure that urgent personal business would be adequate as a reason for taking a day off during term time.

I agree with sangie, don't lie. They don't have to agree to give you the day off, in which case you won't be able to attend the interview.