Teacher backs down in argument over tie

A supply teacher, who was told to leave a school because he was not wearing a tie, has said he will not pursue an action against it due to the spiralling legal costs.

Steve Smith was claiming sexual discrimination and breach of contract against St Ambrose College in Cheshire, after he turned up for work there dressed in a suit but with an open necked shirt. After being asked to put a tie on he refused and was then told to leave, thereby not getting the £150 he was due to be paid for the day’s work.

He wrote to the school, demanding that it pay him, but he claims that St Ambrose failed to respond, resulting in him taking the school to a tribunal. The case was due to be heard last month but Mr Smith withdrew the claim because of the high cost. He said he felt ridiculed by the action taken against him but the school disagreed. A spokesman said that the school was fully prepared to take the case to court if required and added: “The school sets high standards for its pupils and naturally expects the same from the staff. The supply agency was fully aware of our policy and is backing us in our stance.”

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