New Government, New Problems?

The new Academies Bill currently being introduced by the new government is going to be of significant interest to employment lawyers as teachers' pay and conditions face being overhauled. Currently, teachers at (state-run) foundation or community schools are paid at a standardised rate, which is agreed nationally, and passed into law through the school teachers'  pay and conditions document. Schools which choose to become academies will be in charge of their own finances. So, where is this going to lead?

Teachers on the minimum wage or a private sector bonus culture with taxpayers' money? Will it lead to the best teachers being lured away from their current foundation or community schools with promises of signing-on bonuses and the probability of better salaries at the new academy schools? Everyone agrees that schools should be run efficiently, so that the taxpayer receives the best value for money. Nobody would argue that they did not want schools to give the best education possible to children. However, if this new Bill leads to a  two tier division of 'winners' and 'losers' in the teaching profession or even a teachers' 'transfer market', the chances of industrial strength discontent within the teaching profession before very long is a real possibility.

Russia Trip

The briefing for the forthcoming London Market visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg at the end of June was held in central London yesterday. It was good to meet my fellow travellers and chat, many of whom had not visited Russia and do not speak any Russian.

We were notified of the provisional programme for the trip which includes a reception in Moscow organised by RBCC and two receptions in St. Petersburg including an event hosted by the British Consulate at the Consul's General Residence.

Arranging several business meetings and hope to meet up with a couple of Russian friends and contacts from London. Reliably informed that June/ July is a great time to visit and will see the famous White Nights in St. Petersburg.  

New website online

Our new website is online at www.jkwlaw.com!!!

Test 3

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