Time off for interview

[Notmytelescope]

I’m looking for a new job out of teaching. I’ve just been invited for interview - first thing on Monday morning. I’ve asked if I can possibly move it to another time but unfortunately this is not possible. I’m part time but my job share is away on holiday so I can’t arrange a swop.

Monday is of course the first day back after half term with no time to arrange cover… my deputy head who arranges cover is away on a much needed holiday and is not contactable before Monday.

Should I try and contact another member of SLT this week? Or just call in sick on Monday?

WWYD?

Do not call in sick!

If the policy is to contact the person who is away, then contact them. They'll get the message on Monday.

Your advice is pointless to OP.

They need Monday off. I wouldn’t be calling in sick but I would ask to speak to SLT.
That said - you shouldn’t need all day off unless the interview is all day?
maybe just a morning?

Tricky situation but somewhat unavoidable.

Try to contact somebody. How would you normally contact this person? You could send an email to them and your line manager and follow up with a phone call on Monday? It's a pain but if you were sick, they'd have to arrange cover anyway, so they must have a plan.

On another point, have you handed in your notice already? As you'll be beyond the resignation deadline if they offer you a job next week.

How is it pointless? They call in sick - that's gross misconduct.

If the policy is to contact person A, that's what they should do.

I happen to have the personal number of my head, but the policy requires me to contact someone else. That's what I would do because it's not the job of the head to organise cover.

Given that you need Monday off, I would email the DHT who organises cover as that is the policy but also copy in another member of SLT who may be able to help.

You could then perhaps follow up with a call first thing Monday (unless you hear back prior to that).

Don't phone in sick though - if found out it is gross misconduct.

Thanks for the options - would you say it’s an interview or be vague and say unavoidable appointment?

You have to tell the truth

Surely your HT will know that you're looking/interviewing because you've asked them if you can use them as a referee?

As above- I'd email using the normal protocol, in logistical terms it's only the same as someone phoning in sick on Monday morning if nobody does pick up your email before then (,but obvs please don't actually phone in sick)

Unfortunately I have decided to cancel the interview- it was causing me too much stress. And to be honest I’m not sure I want to work for them anyway. It’s for a charity in an education related field. And if they can’t be a little flexible and accept that a teacher can’t really take off the first morning of the new term with minimal notice and it not cause a problem with their class/team/SLT then I’m not sure it’s for me.