When are schools obliged to grant leave of absence to teachers, with or without pay?
According to the “Burgundy Book”, which details teachers’ conditions of service, absence is allowed for:
* maternity leave;
* enforced absence because of contact with an infectious disease;
* during pregnancy, when rubella is present in the workplace;
* external-exam duties;
* jury and other public service;
* duties of accredited representatives of recognised teachers’
organisations.
Since the Burgundy Book was revised in 2000, legislation has been brought in to deal with parental leave, which applies to teachers, in common with all employees. Local authorities may also allow leave on compassionate grounds or for people standing in elections.
Where no local or national rule exists, governing bodies are free to exercise their discretion or delegate this to the head.
