Updated Burgundy Book – 2023 edition available

The conditions of service for school teachers in England and Wales, more commonly known as the Burgundy Book, have been updated for the first time since August 2000. The Burgundy Book represents the national agreement between the five teacher unions (NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, ASCL and Community) and the Local Government Association (LGA) and the National Employers’ Organisation for School Teachers (NEOST).

The update, published on 8 June, reflects and revises legislation that has been introduced since August 2000 and clarifies terminology without amending the application of any of the terms and conditions of employment. Essentially, it is a technical update to ensure the document remains relevant for all school teachers working in England and Wales.

The Burgundy Book is incorporated into the majority of contracts of employment of teachers in England and Wales, with the main provisions including notice periods, sick leave and pay, and maternity leave and pay.

Commentary, setting out the main changes, can be found within Appendix IX of the revised 2023 document.

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