Labour Court recommends 42-week contracts for six college technical officers

The Labour Court recommended that the National College Of Art & Design reinstate its offer to extend six part-time technical officers’ contracts from 40 to 42 weeks a year. The recommendation was dated 23 May 2023. The workers sought 52-week contracts to match their full-time colleagues, citing changes to the academic year, limited student support during assessments and degree shows, and a lack of time for professional development. The college said it had no additional summer work or funding for 12 extra weeks per person. The court considered the 42-week offer reasonable and recommended discussions on how to use the added time, including for continuing professional development.