AIBU to not be available for training during my holiday?

[lorenlukemum]

My contract states that I work term time only and that I am entitled to 5 weeks paid holiday which must be taken while my school is closed.

I have now been told that everyone in my grade now needs a higher qualification than was originally provided by my employer to do the job (which I've been doing for nearly 3 years) and training has been arranged during the holidays, when I'm away. My manager is insisting I attend, but I already have the qualification, just with another company.

I don't want to miss out on my holiday with my kids and have booked my holidays during the school holidays as contracted. AIBU by not attending?WWYD?

Absolutely not on the face of it! Do you have a union you can contact for some clarification?

I agree. Will they reimburse the costs of your holiday if you have to cancel? I might move the dates if they paid me the cancellation fees and paid overtime rates for the week of holiday I was going to lose (and couldn't get back as I assume there's no way you could take time off in term-time).

Most courses are always in term time anyway, even courses that have nothing to do with schools, because people know there's a higher chance of people being off.

Then by your contact you should work 8 weeks during the school holidays (based on 13 weeks). Do you do that?

They can make you work as you are not on a term time contract- but the notice period sounds unreasonable. That said the 5 weeks doesn't sound right- is that plus bank holidays?

Then by your contact you should work 8 weeks during the school holidays (based on 13 weeks). Do you do that?

She gets paid 5 weeks meaning 8 weeks are unpaid

There is no union, no reimbursement and as the schools are closed the other 8 weeks are unpaid leave. I am not allowed leave during term time, even sickness is frowned upon and unpaid.

Just to clarify, I am on a term time only contract

I don't see how she can insist when it's unpaid or your holiday entitlement. I would ask her to reimburse the cost of cancelling/changing the holiday and if they refuse say no. When is the training/holiday?

I'd explain that I wouldn't be able to attend as I'd booked a holiday, is it something you might lose your job over?

If you already have the qualification, and it is still valid, then you don't need to do the training at all - and this is what I'd be telling your manager.

Yanbu at all! I would email to explain that you are away. You could attach a copy of your holiday booking confirmation if you think it would help?

Thank you all so much, I thought I was being obstructive as another lady I work with is happily going along 😀

It's unreasonable for your employer to book training courses when you are on leave. You cannot be expected to attend when you have booked and paid for a holiday. Your employers lack of organisation and failure to acknowledge the fact that you already have the qualification is not your problem.