A new teacher with glowing recommendations has been performing badly and not responded to constructive support. We think she has serious depression. What can we do?
Such a marked change from success to serious problems does need explanation, and you may well be right.
If it is the head’s judgment that someone is unfit to teach, that teacher may be suspended , pending investigation. While you cannot force anyone to go and be examined by a doctor, you can make such a consultation conditional upon your consideration of a return to work. If your education authority has an occupational health department, you should refer this case to them and be ready to act on their advice.
One of our office staff has complained of eye-strain as a result of working with a computer. Do we have to pay for treatment or glasses?
I assume that using the computer is an integral part of this person’s work and that steps have been taken to ensure the working environment is as it should be, in terms of lighting, comfortable seating and so on.
If the condition arises directly from work, the employer is liable for the costs of treatment and prescribed remedies, such as glasses. The obligation does not, however, extend to designer frames.
Archimedes
