Teachers in England and Wales are to go on strike for seven days across February and March 2023 due to a pay dispute. This strike action may have an impact on your employees who are parents or carers of affected children.

It is important for your business to ensure that they are prepared with business continuity plans and that contingencies are in place for you to support all employees affected who need to organise alternate childcare arrangements when their child’s school is closed.

When will the strikes take place?

• Wednesday 1 February 2023: all eligible NEU members in England and Wales.
• Tuesday 14 February 2023: all eligible members in Wales.
• Tuesday 28 February 2023: all eligible members in the following English regions: Northern, North West, Yorkshire & The Humber.
• Wednesday 1 March 2023: all eligible members in the following English regions: East Midlands, West Midlands, Eastern.
• Thursday 2 March 2023: all eligible members in the following English regions: London, South East, South West.
• Wednesday 15 March 2023: all eligible members in England and Wales.
• Thursday 16 March 2023: all eligible members in England and Wales. 

Can your employees take time off work if their child’s school is closed?

Yes, employees are entitled to take reasonable time off work to deal with an unexpected problem or emergency.

Options to consider discussing with employees: 

1. Taking paid annual leave.
2. Taking unpaid leave.
3. Take emergency leave/dependants leave (both unpaid unless you have a separate agreement in your contract). Parental leave is subject to 1 years’ service.
4. Change working hours to accommodate the days the affected employees needs to take off, such as condensed hours/longer days, etc.
5. Work from home if it is suitable for the affected employees to do so. 

As with all changes, it’s important for your employees to speak to you to see if there are any other arrangements that can be put in place. Of course, checking the contract of employment is also something you should do in the first instance. 

Recommended next steps:

We would recommend that you speak to your employees ask them if they are affected and if they need support and/or flexible working arrangements during strike days. If this is the case, direct them to then contact their manager or HR representative to discuss the options open to them.

In all situations, being prepared, having a plan, ensuring employees are aware of their rights and the business has an ability to manage or distribute the workload will be a key part of ensuring the next few months can go as smoothly as possible.  

To find out more or get support with managing the impact of the teachers strikes on your workforce, contact us and we can set up a call with you.

Useful links

Everything you need to know about the strike action in schools – Gov.uk  

Gov.uk – time off for dependents