NEU is the largest single union in the independent sector with over 30,000 members in 1,700 schools. We represent more teachers and support staff working in independent schools than any other union.
NEU is recognised by more independent sector employers than any other union. Approximately 100 independent schools negotiate staff terms and conditions with NEU, of which roughly half include all support staff as well as teachers.
As a modern trade union, NEU believes in the ethos of the school community and that the contribution of all staff is equally important. Consequently, the NEU welcomes into membership all staff working in the independent sector: teachers and teaching assistants, technicians and librarians, office administration and cleaners, grounds and caretaking staff.
The National Education Union represents 32,000 teachers and support staff working in the independent sector.
We are closely monitoring the situation regarding the policies on independent schools agreed at the Labour Party Conference.
As an independent trade union, unaffiliated to any political party, we will use, as and where appropriate, all our powers and good offices to protect our members. Discussions are on-going. These policy proposals have a long way to go, with significant practicalities and decisions on priorities. We wait to see if, and in what format, they appear in the manifesto.
The debate on independent schools’ charitable status and tax concessions is not confined to the Labour Party. The Liberal Democrats have already adopted policy to remove such benefit and there are notable voices in the Conservatives calling for the same. Scotland has already decided to remove Business Rate Relief from Scottish independent schools from 2020.
While it is only just over half of all independent schools that enjoy charitable status, many are not wealthy, and some could face closure if tax concessions are removed. The NEU is concerned about such a scenario.
Our members working in the independent sector, teachers and support staff, do a fantastic job educating our children. We need to ensure that their professional contribution and commitment to the education of our children is not lost.
The NEU will robustly defend our independent sector members jobs and terms and conditions. Just as we are currently doing in the real and present threat to teachers pensions, caused by the significant increase to the employers’ contribution.
In addition to all the usual services you would expect such as first-class advice and support, NEU commits considerable resources to supporting our members in the independent sector.
NEU is the only trade union to offer all of the following:
Join more than 450,000 teachers and education professionals shaping the future of education
The NEU independent schools conference will take place on 23 November at Hamilton House, London.
Approximately 100 independent schools recognise the National Education Union for collective negotiation of terms and conditions.
Details about your employment rights in independent schools in England, Wales and Scotland.
As private businesses outside the national collective bargaining structure in the maintained sector, independent schools have greater freedom to set their own terms and conditions of employment.
Guidance on pay and conditions when working in the independent sector.
How to achieve a union recognition agreement in the independent sector.
What legal protection is there on working long hours?
How to negotiate on pay and other forms of remuneration in the independent sector, with some relevance to Further Education workplaces or academies where there is collective bargaining.
Proposed increases in the employer contribution to the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) could lead to some employers withdrawing from the scheme, with members taking a significant hit to their pension.
Under the rules of the new union, new elected member groups have been set up to help organise and promote the interest of members working in specific Sections or specific interest groups.
Kevin Hannavy, joint NEU rep, reports on the recent successful recognition campaign at Christ’s Hospital School, Sussex
