Bridge Schools Kenya: The coronavirus pandemic that prompted the suspension of the current academic calendar has claimed its first employment casualties in the education sector. This is after hundreds of teachers were sent home on compulsory unpaid leave by Bridge International Academies.
The teachers have also been informed to regard the leave as a temporary lay off. Bridge International Academies operates in over 40 counties in Kenya. It is a low-cost private school.
The forced leave now means that Bridge International Academies will not be obligated to meet salary payment obligations to the teachers.
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“Given the present situation, and unless the pandemic is contained and schools are reopened sooner, you are required to proceed on compulsory leave without pay for a period of two months beginning 01/04/2020 to 31st May, 2020 subject to any extension the Company may seek if schools remain closed beyond this period, or until such time as schools will be directed to reopen whichever is earlier. Your accrued paid annual leave (if any), will be factored into the compulsory leave period and paid where applicable,” the memo sent to Bridge International Academies staff members said.
However, during the compulsory leave, the hundreds of teachers will continue to enjoy healthcare insurance benefits and a monthly gratuitous payment that will be equivalent to 10 percent of their normal salary.
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“The recent directive by the President on indefinite closure of schools to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus means that we do not have operational schools to support and must scale down support office operations while the situation remains unresolved.”
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“Despite the uncertainty on when normal operations will resume, we are in this together,” the memo said. Bridge Schools Kenya.