AQW 15743/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 25/09/2024
Answered On Date: 01/10/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education whether he is planning to introduce a right to miscarriage leave for supply teachers.

Answer:

Teachers’ (including supply teachers’) terms & conditions are negotiated and agreed by the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) which comprises representatives of teachers’ employers and sectoral bodies, the Department of Education and the five recognised teachers’ unions. Decisions are communicated to teachers and their employers via TNC Circulars.

TNC 2021/1 details the Teachers’ Maternity Leave Scheme.

This Scheme is the result of an agreement reached between the Management and

Teachers' Sides of TNC. It reflects rules concerning statutory and occupational maternity leave as a consequence of the relevant legislation.

The Scheme applies to all pregnant teachers irrespective of pay or weekly

working hours.

The Scheme includes provisions in the event of a miscarriage. Each case must be considered on its own merits.