Reasonable Adjustments And Pay Protection For Teachers

Background

Mrs Aleem was employed by E-Act Academy as a science teacher but became unable to teach due to mental ill-health, which was classed as a disability. Mrs Aleem was therefore moved to an alternate role as a cover supervisor so she did not have to undertake normal teaching duties. It was made clear to Mrs Aleem that while she tried out the role of cover supervisor, she would continue to be paid at the higher salary of a teacher for the three-month probationary period.

After the probationary period finished and following occupational health advice indicating that she was not fit to return to teaching, Mrs Aleem accepted the role of cover supervisor on a permanent basis. Upon accepting the role permanently, Mrs Aleem's salary was reduced to that of a cover supervisor and she subsequently brought a claim for a failure to make reasonable adjustments on the basis that her salary did not continue at the higher teacher's pay rate.