What support is the Welsh Government providing to supply teachers with no or little income as a result of school closures?
Financial support available for teachers in Wales is determined by their employer in terms of salary, or by the UK Government via the furlough scheme.
Supply teachers in Wales can be employed either via local authorities or schools, or via supply agencies, and their contracts will vary which may affect the level of financial support available. In the first instance, supply teachers should contact their employer directly to determine what level of support is available. This may include the Furlough Scheme, SSP (Statutory Sick Pay) or ESA (Employment Support Allowance) and/or Universal Credit.
Whilst Welsh Government has provided guidance about the Furlough Scheme to supply agencies on the NPS Framework, decisions in relation to accessing the Scheme and interpreting and applying the guidance provided by HMRC are matters for employers.
HMT has extended the furlough Scheme until April, and agencies on the NPS Framework are aware of the guidance and that they can access the Scheme for their eligible staff. Decisions will be taken by agencies on an individual basis and supply staff should check with them if they have any queries about the way their pay has been calculated.
For supply teachers employed directly via local authorities or schools, there is an expectation that they will be treated fairly in line with permanent staff and paid accordingly, but this will be a matter between individual employers and employees based around the terms of employee contracts.