Sacked teacher may hire employment solicitors

A teacher who has been dismissed from his job said that he may hire employment law solicitors to fight his case.

James Hersey lost his job as a supply teacher at Maidenbower's Oriel High School after informing a pupil of a "naughty" ditty last spring.

A General Teaching Council misconduct hearing last week chastised the 68-year-old over his "unacceptable professional conduct".

The teaching supply agency he was with for two-and-a-half-years has now taken him off their books.

He told Thisissussex.co.uk: "I always enjoyed supply teaching, there was no real responsibility, but I would always help the kids, that's just me. I never let any school down, that's why I feel so bitter about it now... I have retired now so I don't know at the moment if I'll appeal."

The committee reprimanded Mr Hersey, which will remain on his professional registration for the next two years.

However, if he does take his case to an employment tribunal he may find that legislation has been changed if some business leaders get their way. Some groups are pushing for employeees to have a two-year qualifying period before they can claim for unfair dismissal.

Published by Tessa Jones