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Clarification in relation to substitution arrangements for Self Certified Sick Leave and Force Majeure/Illness in Family absences

8th October 2014 | News

Following representations made by CPSMA to the Department of Education and Skills in relation to substitution arrangements for Self Certified Sick Leave and Force Majeure/Illness in Family absences, the DES has issued the following clarification.

Under the Haddington Road Agreement, certain changes were made to the Substitution Scheme.

•    From the commencement of 2013/14 school year, substitute cover was not provided for any self certified leave, except in the case of multiple absences and small schools (two or less classroom teachers).
•    From the commencement of 2014/15 school year, substitute cover will not be provided on the first day of force majeure leave/illness in family leave (save in accordance with the alleviation arrangements referenced at point 1 & 2 below).

Please note that from the beginning of the 2014/2015 school year, the DES has indicated that the following alleviation arrangements will apply:

1.      Substitute cover will be provided for the first day of a teacher’s absence on self-certified sick leave or force majeure/illness in family leave in schools with two or less classroom teachers.
2.      In the event that two or more teachers are absent on the first day of self-certified sick leave, or force majeure/illness in family leave absence, substitute cover will be provided for the second and subsequent teachers.

These alleviation measures apply on the first day of self certified illness and force majeure/illness in family leave.

Where these absences are non consecutive, each day of absence (within the allowed limits) is regarded as a first day’s absence.

                                                                  Summary
Self- Certified Sick leave

Substitute cover will not be provided for any self- certified sick leave.

However –
Substitute cover will be provided on the first day of self- certified sick leave if:
1.    The absence occurs in a school with two classroom teachers or less
       or
2.    The absence occurs in a school where two or more teachers are absent on the first day of self certified sick leave and/or the first day of force majeure/illness in family leave.

Note: Substitute cover will not be provided for consecutive self certified sick leave absences.
Where absences are non consecutive, each day of absence (within the allowed limits) is regarded as a first day’s absence for substitute cover purposes.
 Force Majeure/Illness in Family leave

Substitute cover will not be provided on the first day of force majeure/illness in family.

However –
Substitute cover will be provided on the first day of force majeure/illness in family if:
1.    The absence occurs in a school with two classroom teachers or less
       or
2.    The absence occurs in a school where two or more teachers are absent on the first day of self certified sick leave and/or the first day of force majeure/illness in family leave.

Note: Substitute cover will be provided for consecutive force majeure/illness in family absences, that occur after the first day of absence.
Where absences are non consecutive, each day of absence (within the allowed limits) is regarded as a first day’s absence for substitute cover

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