Unions

[smalbert]

Is it totally essential that as a teacher I should belong to a union?
At £225.77 a year I'm thinking it's an expense I could do without.
What do you think?

Yes it is. If, heaven forbid, a child makes an allegation against you or your HT decides your face doesn't fit, you'll be glad to have their support.
It's like house insurance: you hope you'll never claim on it but you really need to have it.

Absolutely essential. The legal cover they provide alone s worth it.

You can also claim the tax back on your costs as they are professional organisations - not much, but every little helps.

Agree with above. It is an expense no one wants to pay especially right now but personally I wouldn’t set foot in a classroom without it for the legal representation.

It’s tax deductible isn’t it?

yes

Thank you I will pay monthly to ease the pain!

Absolutely it is - life is tough for teachers and I would say despite having not had a pay rise for 5 years, the subscription is worth every penny. I think one union is offering 6 months free if you join - check it out on the web - but do join a union that suits you.

If you are solely after the legal cover, then you could join Edapt which is a cheaper option.

But you will miss out on the benefit of having a rep in school, and the benefits of local, knowledgable support that come with the main teaching unions.

If the unions win the pay rise they are asking for, that will more than cover your £225 as well!

But you will miss out on the benefit of having a rep in school, and the benefits of local, knowledgable support that come with the main teaching unions.

does that mean the union is not run by working teachers ?
Not having a rep in school is a definite no no for lots of teachers when choosing a teachers union.

We haven't got a rep in our school.

Don't forget to contact HMRC and claim the tax relief!

www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/professional-fees-and-subscriptions

Have literally never known of a primary school with a rep.