i think DH is being bullied at work, what can we do???

[alannabanana]

certainly he's being undermined anyway - bullying is prob too strong a word. he's a secondary drama teacher (head of dept) and obviously this time of year is crucial as its gcse exam time. his students (who are AWFUL - jamies dream school x1000) couldn't give a shit about much in life, but at the moment its the teachers who are causing DH problems. they keep pulling his kids out his exam lessons and revision sessions to "focus on more important subjects". the thing with drama is that the 'exam' is a performed piece that has to be filmed and sent away but he can't pin these kids down to get the thing recorded - the absolute deadline is may 13th and it was actually due in feburary as theres so much paperwork needed (to be filled in by him) once the piece is on film. i just don't know how he's going to get it done. he's absolutely tearing his hair out with frustration, and everytime he complains to senior management he gets told that the kids' priority is the core subjects. but when they get shite grades in august, he'll be the one hauled over the coals for not hitting targets... its just obscene! a no fucking win situation.
i want to know what he can do about this - surely the school shouldn't be allowed to function this way, with one subject sacrificed for another - whats the point of even having that subject if you hold it in such little regard.
(he is leaving by the way - handed in his notice ages ago despite having nothing to go to yet)
anyway, any ideas on whether this infringes rights/employee law???
there is other stuff as well but i need to go to bed - sufficeth to say he is struggling just to get thru each day what he faces at work.

Speak to his union.

Not being the "most inportant" doesn't really qualify under employee law and if he's leaving my advice would be to suck it up and move on when his notice expires.

Sucks but so if life.

No real advice but I'd suggest that he documents everything in writing - when lessons have been cancelled, when he has expressed concerns to senior management and how they have responded etc. - get it all down in writing if possible, so that if he does get blamed later, he can demonstrate that he tried to do something about it.

Sadly, I think teachers may see more and more of this, as there will be pressure on schools to get results in the core subjects so that as many as possible get the English baccalaureate. Not at all fair on teachers or students though...

It doesnt really infringe rights/ employment law really ni. It's a horrible position to be in and probably warrants a grievance IMHO. Has he followed the grievance procedure and out his concerns in writing? He should jeep a
diary iof the occasions thus happens to submit with a grievance.

i think he's just been bearing it because he doesnt want to rock the boat seeing as he's leaving (and therefore needs a decent reference) but the way his line manager and senior management, and ultimately the head, have been treating him just makes my blood boil. he comes home an absolute wreck and i just can't believe theres nothing he can do about it. he says whats the point of being a teacher if its all about targets and results - he might as well be in sales, which is a fair point, and maybe even more profitable! but if someone has the vocation to teach and they're good at it, they should be allowed to get on with it.
it just drives me mad. and obviously im protective of him - i often feel like going round there and clobbering the head with my handbag!
magicmummy - i like your idea of keeping a record of all he tried to do so that he can defend his case later (when the results inevitably come back in august as pants - last year they were i think 13% a-c).
thanks guys, its good to vent.

I would put in a grievance and I would ensure if any chance of rough stuff with Management he takes a Union rep to any meetings. If it is bullying, they usually back down as most bullies are cowards.Keep a written note of all incidents incl any verbal orders in these.Possibly have a liitle chat with Gp but do try not to get signed off with stress only- do not give into them by letting them make him ill.This sounds like Constructive Dismissal but so hard to prove so need expert advice.Time to move on? Yes, I would get out and go somewhere where I am more appreciated but IN THIS CLIMATE do not go from the pan to the fire Finally ensure employers have followed all policies and procedures correctly because if they have not it could cost them. The Union will know all about this.This happened to me and they then started giving warnings etc (usually yelled at me) Interestingly I had 2 friends who were Managers in the Private sector eg sales etc and they told me MY case was worst they had seen I MUST ADVISE ALL CASES ARE INDIVIDUAL Bullying basically consists of setting you up to fail and is personally targted at individual:eg name calling, unannounced meetings with Management ,deliberate isolation,removing tools to do the job, public humiliation, getting other staff to gang up with no justification. Plenty of info On Internet re bullying: read it as you will feel less isolated

NB In employment law you only have 3 months after incidents complained of to lodge a Tribunal complaint : they rarely allow an extension .