A TRADE union for teachers said its members employed by a school in Colwyn Bay “had no choice but to sign new contracts under duress”.

Rydal Penrhos School, an independent school with primary and secondary school students, was previously claimed to have been “refusing to engage” with the NASUWT (the Teachers' Union).

The union said that members at Rydal Penhros were “put under significant pressure from senior leaders” to sign contracts with new pension terms.

These contracts have now been signed, the NASUWT said, but partly because the staff members risked facing a “firing and rehiring” process.

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A NASUWT spokesperson said: “In July, members at Rydal Penrhos School were put under significant pressure from senior leaders to sign contracts with new pension terms. 

“The proposed contract variation represents a fundamental change to members’ terms and conditions of employment.

“If members did not sign the new contract and wished to remain employed at the school, the school would force them on to the new contract at the end of December by firing and rehiring them. 

“As a result, members felt that they had no choice but to sign the new contracts under duress, but ensured that they registered their objection in writing and continued to work under protest.”

In July, Rydal Penrhos said that, following a substantial 43 per cent increase in employer contributions towards the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) in 2019, the Government confirmed an additional 21 per cent increase in the pension cost to all schools.

This, Rydal Penrhos said, took the school’s annual contribution to the TPS to more than 28 per cent.

As a result, many independent schools are reviewing its existing TPS arrangements, the school added.

In response to NASUWT’s latest comments, a Rydal Penrhos spokesperson said: “Rydal Penrhos School has requested a meeting with Professional Associations to discuss the concerns they have raised.

“As an employer, we look to support all the staff who work diligently and will continue to do this.

“We are dedicated to acting collaboratively to ensure the success and sustainability of Rydal Penrhos, working in the interest of all members of our school community.”