Teachers’ sick pay under the Burgundy Book

School teachers in England and Wales are often covered by the Conditions of Service for School Teachers, known as the Burgundy Book. The scheme is set out in the official text (see the NASUWT PDF) and summarised by the National Education Union.

Entitlement is in working days, “in any one year”, and service includes aggregated teaching service with one or more local authorities:

• First year: 25 working days at full pay, and — after four calendar months’ service — 50 working days at half pay
• Second year: 50 full and 50 half
• Third year: 75 full and 75 half
• Fourth and later years: 100 full and 100 half

“Working days” means teaching and non-teaching days within directed time. Many employers run the sick-pay year from 1 April to 31 March, but yours may differ — enter days already used in the year your employer uses.

This tool does not calculate the Scottish SNCT scheme, which is different. Academies may have followed the Burgundy Book after a TUPE transfer, or they may have their own policy. Always check your contract.