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TO: School Representatives

Our Ref: 139/481

27th January 2010

Dear Colleague,

TRANSFER 2010

Please find enclosed two copies of joint advice from the five recognised teachers’ unions on transfer 2010 arrangements – one copy for the information of UTU members and one to be passed on to your Principal. If any teacher, including the Principal, has a specific query about any matter please contact UTU Headquarters for further advice.

REDUNDANCY

New guidelines have been agreed between the unions and the employing authorities (enclosed). While there may still be difficulties for schools in identifying staff for compulsory redundancy, these guidelines should assist in narrowing the criteria thus making decisions less problematic.

If any UTU member would like to discuss the new guidelines further then please contact Headquarters and an arrangement will be made for a UTU official to meet with the teacher(s) concerned.

PREMATURE RETIREMENT

The uncertainties which faced teachers last year regarding the Premature Retirement Scheme are still the same. Having failed to implement legislation that would have led to reduced pensions for teachers availing of the Premature Retirement Scheme by the end of last school year, the Department of Education is still insisting on attempting to make the changes before the end of this school year. They are currently carrying out an Equality Impact consultation as part of that process.

UTU has quite categorically stated that it would be unreasonable to introduce this legislation before the end of the current academic year and in fact has been lobbying that the scheme remain as it is.

If any teacher would like further information then they should contact Headquarters or apply to attend one of the forthcoming Retirement Seminars scheduled for March/April in Belfast, Armagh, Ballymena and Londonderry.

ESA

The failure to implement the new Education and Skills Authority from 1st January 2010 (the third such delay) has created a crisis in confidence regarding the proposed new body. UTU has identified increasing shortcomings in the level of support provided to schools and is calling on the politicians to reach some agreement on the way forward.

If any teacher or principal is experiencing difficulty in their dealings with their employing authority please contact Headquarters straight away.

RECRUITMENT

UTU is continuing to grow, despite the drop in overall teacher numbers. We now have a very active group of recently qualified teachers and the age profile of the Central Executive Committee is fully reflective of the wide range of members.

The role you carry out is vital in ensuring that UTU maintains a strong local voice for teachers. Thank you for all the work you do for UTU – you are the link between Headquarters and the membership. If there are any members of your staff who are not already members of UTU, and are considering changing to a local union, and you feel it would be useful for a UTU official to visit your school to talk to them, then phone Headquarters on 9066 2216.

Best wishes for 2010.

Yours sincerely

Avril Hall-Callaghan
General Secretary