Supply work and temporary contracts

01Which arrangement is it?

The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) sets out separate codes for short-term supply and fixed-term appointments. [1][2]

If cover is expected from the outset to exceed two days, the short-term code says a fixed-term contract should be issued under the national code and relevant local agreement. [1]

02When a booking changes

Ask for updated paperwork if a booking continues or its hours change. A verbal extension can leave you and payroll working from different information.

• Keep the original booking confirmation and every extension.
• Record the dates and hours actually worked.
• Ask who authorises the hours and how to submit them.
• Confirm the current end date, or the event that will end the appointment.

03Check your pay record

The SNCT pay section gives the calculation rules and salary placement provisions. Short-term supply includes a 10% uplift for preparation and correction. Fixed-term appointments use the provisions for other teachers. [3]

Compare your payslip with your dates, hours, contract and current salary point. If there is a difference, send payroll the specific entries you want checked and retain its reply. Your previous service and the applicable rules matter; another teacher's payslip is not a reliable entitlement calculation.

04Routes towards permanent employment

You can apply for advertised permanent posts. The national fixed-term code also provides for transfer arrangements negotiated through the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers (LNCT). Ask HR for the current agreement for your council. [2]

Find out which service counts, whether you must apply, who makes the decision and what follows approval. Keep eligibility, an approved request and the start of a paid appointment separate when recording progress.

05Keep these documents together

• Appointment letters, contracts and extensions, in date order.
• Booking confirmations and your record of work.
• Payslips and explanations of adjustments.
• The local agreement and correspondence about qualifying service.
• Any application for transfer, decision and resulting offer.

For a concern about your own contract, speak to your union or the Acas helpline. Bring the documents and a short timeline so the adviser can see what happened. Independent-school and agency arrangements need their own checks. [5]