Contract and overpayment recovery advice please
Discussion
OK, possibly a slightly long-winded one, but please bear with me.
I am a local government employee who's recently been moved onto that contract from a teacher's post to save money. Now, the process of deciding hours, percentages etc. is a ridiculously convoluted one, and noone can quite work things out, you get the idea...
Last academic year and the last salary statement I received was at a certain percentage, at which I was paid. Suddenly I was relieved of a certain amount of money for the last three months (there have been other incidences of this throughout the year, including some overpayments to make up for arrears, but smaller amounts) and by my calculations I was not paid at my last stated percentage document.
When querying this, I was told that it seems that after ups and downs (although my work hasn't changed) they worked out I was working at a slightly lower percentage, so authorised the overpayment recovery.
Whilst my contract states this recovery is allowed, it also states that I will be given notice of the overpayment and the frequency and amounts for deduction will be discussed with you (in the event of overpayment).
I have had no notification that they believed my percentage to have reduced, nor did I receive any communication as to any of the deductions from my salary, or reasons for. I work out my percentage a tad higher than they do somehow (as I said, the process is somewhat difficult) but I'm just wondering where I stand with this as it's been unannounced money recovery? I'm guessing there's not a whole lot I can do, but I feel a tad aggrieved just at the moment...
I am a local government employee who's recently been moved onto that contract from a teacher's post to save money. Now, the process of deciding hours, percentages etc. is a ridiculously convoluted one, and noone can quite work things out, you get the idea...
Last academic year and the last salary statement I received was at a certain percentage, at which I was paid. Suddenly I was relieved of a certain amount of money for the last three months (there have been other incidences of this throughout the year, including some overpayments to make up for arrears, but smaller amounts) and by my calculations I was not paid at my last stated percentage document.
When querying this, I was told that it seems that after ups and downs (although my work hasn't changed) they worked out I was working at a slightly lower percentage, so authorised the overpayment recovery.
Whilst my contract states this recovery is allowed, it also states that I will be given notice of the overpayment and the frequency and amounts for deduction will be discussed with you (in the event of overpayment).
I have had no notification that they believed my percentage to have reduced, nor did I receive any communication as to any of the deductions from my salary, or reasons for. I work out my percentage a tad higher than they do somehow (as I said, the process is somewhat difficult) but I'm just wondering where I stand with this as it's been unannounced money recovery? I'm guessing there's not a whole lot I can do, but I feel a tad aggrieved just at the moment...
I guess if I'm honest I'm not sure - I think this is the latest in such a long line of infringements on their behalf that it sort of tipped me over the edge!
Yes, I do know, I need a new job! I'm working on it, putting myself through some exams at the moment, but they're expensive, so seeing what I thought was my pay disappear is a little disheartening! I guess chalk it up and focus on the exams!
Yes, I do know, I need a new job! I'm working on it, putting myself through some exams at the moment, but they're expensive, so seeing what I thought was my pay disappear is a little disheartening! I guess chalk it up and focus on the exams!
I'm interested in, if I've read this correctly, you moving from a salaried teaching post to a contractor? Assume non-state school (academy)?
Nonetheless, you're not happy. A good employer would work with you to resolve that rather than brush the issue under the carpet. If you have the time and energy, write a formal letter that they should be obliged to answer. If you're on your way anyway and don't have the inclination, forget it and move on. Good luck!
Nonetheless, you're not happy. A good employer would work with you to resolve that rather than brush the issue under the carpet. If you have the time and energy, write a formal letter that they should be obliged to answer. If you're on your way anyway and don't have the inclination, forget it and move on. Good luck!
OP - would I be right in guessing that you've moved from a teaching payscale (UNQ/NQT/MPS) to a Local Govt payscale (probably the admin one)? And you either work TTO/TTO + 5/TTO+10? And you work for an Academy (or independent) rather than a school that is run by the LA?
TTO calculations are notoriously complex, even for LA HR staff who will have been doing them for years. When schools become Academies they lose the LA HR support and many try to do things "on the cheap". This can result in a cr@p payroll service as well as non-compliance with HR best practice, such as notifying people about overpayments and agreeing repayment plans.
Whilst you're right to feel disgruntled unless you have been underpaid it's best to put it behind you and move on.
TTO calculations are notoriously complex, even for LA HR staff who will have been doing them for years. When schools become Academies they lose the LA HR support and many try to do things "on the cheap". This can result in a cr@p payroll service as well as non-compliance with HR best practice, such as notifying people about overpayments and agreeing repayment plans.
Whilst you're right to feel disgruntled unless you have been underpaid it's best to put it behind you and move on.
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