Conditions of Service for School Teachers in England and Wales

(The Burgundy Book)

Revised Edition, August 2000

Suffolk NUT has published parts of the Burgundy Book on this website, as a service to members. Although all teachers should have access to a copy of this book at school, many schools have not purchased it. It contains important information for teachers, particular the sick pay and maternity arrangements.

CONTENTS of the Burgundy Book with page numbers (hard copy) and links to INTERNET version of selected pages
Section 1: Introduction 1
Paragraph 3 Statement of Particulars 2
Section 2: Definitions 3
Section 3: Appointment, Resignation: Retirement Paragraph 2 Teachers resigning their appointments 4
Paragraph 3 Deduction of salary 5
Paragraph 4 Period of notice and termination of contracts 5
Paragraph 5 Medical grounds 5
Paragraph 6 Retirement 6
Paragraph 7 Maternity 6
Section 4: Sick Pay Scheme Paragraph 1 Leave of absence 7
Paragraph 2 Sick pay and leave 7
Paragraph 3 Sick pay 7
Paragraph 4 Sick leave year 8
Paragraph 5 Deductions from sick pay 8
Paragraph 6 Termination of employment during a period of sick pay 9
Paragraph 7 School closure periods 9
Paragraph 8 Conditions 10
Paragraph 9 Absences arising from accidents, injury or assault at work 10
Paragraph 10 Contact with infectious diseases 11
Paragraph 11 Absences caused by negligence 12
Section 5: Maternity Scheme Paragraph 1 To whom this scheme applies 13
Paragraph 2 Initial obligations on the teacher 13
Paragraph 3 Ante-natal care 13
Paragraph 4 Rights of the teacher to time off from work (Maternity Leave) 14
Paragraph 5 Subsequent obligations on the teacher 14
Paragraph 6 Return to work 15
Paragraph 7 Noticication of return to work 15
Paragraph 8 Maternity Pay 16
Paragraph 9 Relationship with sickness 17
Paragraph 10 Definitions 17
Paragraph 11 Other absences 17
Paragraph 12 Adoption 17
Paragraph 13 Other provisions 17
Section 6: Other Leave Paragraph 1 Leave for examinations 18
Paragraph 2 Leave for jury and other public service 18
Paragraph 3 Leave for accredited representatives of recognised teachers' organisations 18
Paragraph 4 Leave for other purposes 18
Section 7: Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures, etc 19
Section 8: Miscellaneous Conditions Paragraph 1 Insurance for the teacher 20
Paragraph 2 Travelling allowances for teachers 21
Paragraph 3 Teachers and the school meals service 21
Paragraph 4 Additional arrangements for teachers in residential special schools and social service establishments providing education 22
Paragraph 5 Boarding establishments associated with primary and secondary schools 22
Paragraph 6 Conditions of employment 22
APPENDICES I Premature retirement compensation 23
II Memorandum of agreement for the release of teachers 36
III Agreement on facilities for representatives of recognised teachers' organisations 40
IV Relations between teachers' organisations and LEAs: Collective disputes procedures 45
V Insurance and travelling allowances 55
VI Teachers and the school meals service 55
Joint Commentary by the NEOST (National Employers Organisation for School Teachers) and the six teacher Unions 61