Job offer withdrawn

[Verycold]

I have a temporary contract at a school at the moment, teaching history. I was told by the assistant head who does the timetable and by the head of dep that there would be more work for me in Setember, and given a timetable. But now the headteacher says the offer didn't come from her and is invalid. I guess I'll just have to accept it, as I didn't have confirmation in writing?

I think you're right, unfortunately.
Hope you get sorted out with something else.

There was a job I didn't apply for because of this

Maybe have a chat to your union and see what they say? Being given a timetable sounds pretty damn close to a written offer to me.

Very unprofessional on the school's part and very disappointing and frustrating for you. You really don't want to be working somewhere in which the left hand does not know what the right is doing. So I'd put it down to experience and move on, a lesson learnt that someone's word sometimes counts for very little. I'd also be angry about missing a job opportunity because of this, but I'm sure something better has your name on it.

Sounds like you're better off out of there anyway, OP.

Thanks for the sympathy, I am just stunned really! I really thought having been given the timetable that signing anything was just a formality.

Check with the union about the strength of a verbal agreement

How long have you worked there? There are new-ish laws to protect temporary workers and if you have worked there a certain amount of time you are entitled to a permanent job. I can't remember the ins and outs but it's how I got a permanent position. Your union should know.

from the NUT

You may have a case for unfair dismissal - the fact that they had a timetable for you next year shows your position is not redundant.