Teacher resignation happened in lockdown

sherbie72

Hi. 
I resigned from my teaching position in February whilst off sick due to mental health issues.  The way notices work, I couldn't leave my contract until 30th April. The plan was to leave teaching as this was making me miserable and ill and find work elsewhere until I could think clearly about a new direction. I went for an interview in a cafe 2 days before lockdown, but haven't heard anything from them and they are now closed. I am not sure how the lockdown affects looking for work? Most jobs outside teaching require you to start about a month from point of interview. I was still employed by my school when lockdown was announced. It has now gone past this date. What is my position? I heard that someone in my position can ask their old employer to reinstate and furlough them. However, my school says that they can't as I was salaried by government.  What should I be doing now for financial support whilst looking for work? Many thanks. 

jackieblack

sherbie72 said:

Hi. 
I resigned from my teaching position in February whilst off sick due to mental health issues.  The way notices work, I couldn't leave my contract until 30th April. The plan was to leave teaching as this was making me miserable and ill. Most jobs outside teaching require you to start about a month from point if interview. I was still employed by my school when lockdown was announced. It has now gone past this date and I can not look for work. What is my position? I heard that someone in my position can ask their old employer to reinstate and furlough them. However, my school says that they can't as I was salaried by government.  What should I be doing now for financial support? Many thanks. 

Why can’t you look for work?
There are still jobs being advertised - some sectors are crying out for more staff! (I realise these may not be in sectors you’d previously considered, but a job is a job and it doesn’t have to be forever...)
What was your plan?

In the meantime you should see what benefits you might be entitled to:

https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou?utm_source=BAdviser&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=GovUK

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/?utm_source=BAdviser&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=GovUK

Mrsn

Look at the links that Jackieblack has provided for your entitlement to benefits.

Schools were never intended to use the furlough scheme so your old employer is correct, it will not be an option for you.