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Breaking a maternity cover contract

  • 20-08-2013 8:04pm
    #1
    Smiles2012
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10 ✭


    Hi guys,

    I am in a bit of a panic. I was lucky enough to secure a job in June in a private school. In the last few days I have received a rpt contract nearer home. Obviously it is a no brainer but I am worried about two things:

    A) I was to start the maternity next week and I feel there is not sufficient time to replace me and also just feel really bad for leaving the school with such short notice.

    B)Aside from my personal feelings, I also had to sign a contract stating that I have to give the school one months notice. It says the contracted is starting the 28th of August. Am I tied to this?

    I really hate leaving people in the lurch but equally have to look after my career.


Comments

  • #2
    thefasteriwalk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 565 ✭✭✭thefasteriwalk


    You know what you have to do. They may be a little annoyed, but you're not going to looking for a reference from them and you've already secured a position. I'm sure they interviewed a lot of people, so they should have a reserve panel. In this climate they'll definitely find someone - don't worry. Ring them first thing in the morning and get it sorted. I know it's an uncomfortable conversation, but it'll all be over this time tomorrow.

    Oh - well done!


  • #3
    Crazyteacher
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,438 ✭✭✭Crazyteacher


    Congratulations ! They'll understand in the long run . There so many others still looking for a job that'll snap up the maternity . Do the call first thing as the fasteriwalk said above , it'll be over before you know it.


  • #4
    Smiles2012
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10 ✭Smiles2012


    Thank you so much for the advice I just needed clarification. I was just worried that I am breaking my contract and that they may follow me about it due to the short notice. I was questioning it because it is a private school and so not the norm of what I am used to.


  • #5
    thefasteriwalk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 565 ✭✭✭thefasteriwalk


    Smiles2012 wrote: »
    Thank you so much for the advice I just needed clarification. I was just worried that I am breaking my contract and that they may follow me about it due to the short notice. I was questioning it because it is a private school and so not the norm of what I am used to.

    I've never worked in a private school, so I'm not sure how it differs from a state school in that respect. But I think any principal would understand you having to take a RPT over a maternity. I know lots of people who have either been unable to take up their contract or who left mid-contract because they got a RPT contract - it's never been a big issue. I don't think they'll follow you about it. Giving x amount of notice is standard in every contract, but teaching jobs often come at such short notice that it just isn't always possible. I'd imagine all principals are well versed in such practices.


  • #6
    rainbowtrout
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,397 ✭✭✭✭rainbowtrout


    Smiles2012 wrote: »
    Thank you so much for the advice I just needed clarification. I was just worried that I am breaking my contract and that they may follow me about it due to the short notice. I was questioning it because it is a private school and so not the norm of what I am used to.

    They have enough to be doing at this time of year rather than chasing you for a contract you didn't fulfill. They will get someone else, and realistically what are you going to do? You're not going to give up an RPT contract out of guilt to this school. Just tell them ASAP so they can get someone else for the position.


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  • #7
    km79
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 48,336 ✭✭✭✭km79


    I've been in this situation at this time of year before. You have to look after yourself they will understand.
    Be truthful and tell them as soon as possible.
    Congrats on the job :)


  • #8
    Terri26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 647 ✭✭✭Terri26


    just be aware they may make you work/give the month's notice. My principal has made people work their month's notice when the found better suited jobs.


  • #9
    thefasteriwalk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 565 ✭✭✭thefasteriwalk


    Terri26 wrote: »
    just be aware they may make you work/give the month's notice. My principal has made people work their month's notice when the found better suited jobs.

    Wow! Are you in a private school?


  • #10
    RealJohn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,099 ✭✭✭RealJohn


    Terri26 wrote: »
    just be aware they may make you work/give the month's notice. My principal has made people work their month's notice when the found better suited jobs.
    I would think most employers would expect you to work your notice unless they have an alternate ready to take the position. In the current climate, they're unlikely to have trouble filling the position and it would be better for the students to have less disruption so I imagine the OP is safe enough.
    Another question would be if the OP hasn't signed a contact yet, they might not be obliged to work the notice since they never officially agreed to the terms of employment but I don't know if that's the reality.

    Either way, as long as the OP gets on to the school quickly, it will cause a little disruption but I imagine it's in nobody's interests to make the situation more complicated than it need be.


  • #11
    Terri26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 647 ✭✭✭Terri26


    No, I'm not in a private school. I think our principal was making a point as it happened the first/second week of achool. As other posters have said you may be okay as you haven't started yet.


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  • #12
    Cheerios27
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3 ✭Cheerios27


    Hi Guys

    I am in a similar position to the OP. I have signed the contract but there is a 90% chance I will get an rpt contract after an interview next Friday. What happens in that situation then? Do I have to fulfil my contract? Like OP I don't want to disappoint but an RPT is an RPT. I would be required to start the RPT immediately. Should I give up the job on Monday for the possibility of another job? I would like to do that as I don't want to disappoint but don't want to take the gamble!

    Please help!


  • #13
    RealJohn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,099 ✭✭✭RealJohn


    Cheerios27 wrote: »
    Hi Guys

    I am in a similar position to the OP. I have signed the contract but there is a 90% chance I will get an rpt contract after an interview next Friday. What happens in that situation then? Do I have to fulfil my contract? Like OP I don't want to disappoint but an RPT is an RPT. I would be required to start the RPT immediately. Should I give up the job on Monday for the possibility of another job? I would like to do that as I don't want to disappoint but don't want to take the gamble!

    Please help!
    Since you've signed a contract, I think that it's reasonable for them to expect you to work your notice or until they get a replacement (whichever is shorter) and I think it's reasonable for you to do it. I'd get in contact with them immediately either way.


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