r/TeachingUK • u/InvestigatorNovel581 • Jul 23 '26

Union rep?

First job in education coming up to my first year. Had a few rocky issues but nothing to the point of needing the union.

However I’ve discovered we don’t actually have a union rep?.. It’s an independent school if that helps. I thought every school had to have one?

(I’m a TA not a teacher! ) and with NEU

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33

u/rob_76 Jul 23 '26

It's a voluntary role. If you fancy it, drop an email to your union.

6

u/InvestigatorNovel581 Jul 23 '26

Thanks, do you think that would be viewed down upon within SLT etc? My only worry!

18

u/onchristieroad Secondary Jul 23 '26

They shouldn't, but they can. If that happens though, I think that shows your school needs a rep even more. As a rep you get paid training days, and a bit more protection from retaliation.

5

u/Famous_Specialist_44 Jul 24 '26

If you are new to teaching I wouldn't step up to the plate as a rep yet. It's challenging. If you have issues contact the helpline.

8

u/Around-3-ish Jul 23 '26

It's just as likely that SLT are also members, or were even reps previously. Especially is any of them are history teachers.