Supply teachers/TA's: Should there should be a late cancellation fee?

[FromMd]

Hi!
So this happened to me for the first time in 2 years today; I had a call from agency last night to teach a Year 5 class tonight. Parked up outside the school at 8:15 to have a call from the agency saying the school have cancelled and they won't pay for the day.
This school was a 40 minute drive away and I think it's crazy that this is allowed.
I've heard in the past of it happening to other supply in which they have shown up to be told they are no longer needed. But that supply could have had other work or declined something else to go to the school.
I just find the fact someone can be booked and then cancelled at the very last minute with no pay, poor taste. Fair enough cancelling an hour before, but not near enough the time the teacher is there for.

I used to arrange supply in a school. This only ever happened when the agency messed up (for example didn't disclose that the DBS check wasn't complete until last minute). The one time I made the error we came to an agreement with the agency. I agree it is very unfair to the supply person.

It's a total piss take.

Whether it is the school or the agency's fault, it is wrong you don't get paid and you are out of pocket (petrol at least).

Unfortunately, it happens!

Oops posted too soon!

Unfortunately it happens! Too often. And there doesn't seem to be any legal obligations for agencies to pay.

This used to happen to me and I saw it happen to other supply teachers. Do ask them to pay you, however. They won't unless you ask. You may get something.

It happened to me once or twice. Out of pocket for fuel and looking a tit into the bargain.

Supply is getting worse, along with all forms of employment.. I’ve worked nursery supply, and it has become increasingly common for them to ask you in for, say, a 9-6 shift, so you arrange your own childcare for that: then at 3 some kids are off sick so they don’t need the same number of staff, so you get sent home early. One had the nerve to ask me in at 8.30 am until they didn’t need me any more. Decency from employers is a thing of the past.

I meant to add, the same thing has happened in schools once or twice. There are schools and nurseries i won’t go to anymore.