Website Cookie Policy

We use cookies to give you the best possible online experience. If you continue, we’ll assume you are happy for your web browser to receive all cookies from our website.
See our cookie policy for more information.

Practice Areas

More Information

thepartners@wrigleys.co.uk

Leeds: 0113 244 6100

Sheffield: 0114 267 5588

FOLLOW WRIGLEYS:

Send us an enquiry
Close

Handling strike action in schools

04 July 2016

Guidance from DfE updated on 1 July for employers, governing bodies, school leaders and staff in maintained schools and academies.

In light of proposed strike action in July, this guidance provides basic advice on what to do when school staff go on strike.

Main points in the guidance

  • The document provides advice on keeping schools open on strike days, and
    explains the law on trade disputes and picketing.
  • In the event of strike action at a school, the Department for Education expects the
    headteacher to take all reasonable steps to keep the school open for as many
    pupils as possible.
  • The decision to open, partially open, or close a maintained school is for the
    headteacher. The decision for academies rests with the academy trust, but is
    usually delegated to the principal.
  • It is best practice for headteachers to consult governors, parents and the Local
    Authority, academy trust or diocesan representative (where appropriate) before
    deciding whether to close. Headteachers are entitled to ask staff whether they
    intend to strike.

Download a copy of the Handling Strike Action in Schools - Guidance on What to Do When School Staff Go on Strike document.

 

If you would like to discuss any aspect of this article further or if you have any questions relating to disability or tribunal claims, please contact Alacoque Marvin on 0113 244 6100.

You can also keep up to date by following Wrigleys Solicitors on LinkedIn.

The information in this article is necessarily of a general nature. Specific advice should be sought for specific situations. If you have any queries or need any legal advice please feel free to contact Wrigleys Solicitors

 

July 2016

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
Alacoque Marvin View Biography

Alacoque Marvin

Partner
Leeds

29 Sep 2025
Michael Crowther Headshot

Sexual harassment – the new preventative duty one year on

UK employers must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, including third-party harassment, clear policies, training, and risk assess.

25 Sep 2025
Sue King Headshot

Whistleblowers are protected from suffering a detriment after termination of employment

Employer’s PR statements following tribunal proceedings could have founded whistleblowing claim.

24 Sep 2025
Laura Moss Headshot

Changing times: five trends we're seeing in the students' union sector

We explore the current themes reshaping students’ unions, from governance and digital democracy to funding and activism.