A group of ‘freelance’ art educators and lecturers who claim to have been unfairly dismissed are to challenge London’s National Gallery at an Employment Tribunal, it has emerged.
The 27 claimants, some of whom have worked for the National Gallery for many decades, were reportedly classed as independent freelancers during their time there.
However, they were paid through a taxed PAYE system, were trained by the National Gallery, asked to wear official badges and subjected to regular appraisals, a report in The Guardian reveals.
Due to this, the group claim that not only were they unfairly dismissed, but that they should also be recognised as ‘employees’ as opposed to contractors.
The group, who also argue that they have suffered age and sex discrimination, claim that they should have been fully consulted prior to their dismissal and entitled to retrospective holiday pay.
James Heard, the longest-serving claimant, who worked at the National Gallery for some 45 years, said: “We are standing up for fair treatment for staff in the arts, and to protect the teaching expertise at the heart of our museums.
“Our national galleries are something the UK is extremely proud of and it is vital that the educators who hold the collective knowledge of these places are properly protected.”
Another claimant added that the group’s “longstanding contribution” to the National Gallery ought to be “recognised and valued” and that, at a minimum, they should be classed as ‘workers’.
In response, a spokesperson on behalf of the National Gallery, said: “It is our understanding that the claims have arisen out of the Gallery’s wish to change from offering ad hoc work to offering more secure employment, with additional pension and worker benefits.
“The entire group were consulted for their views together and individually over the change for a period of three months between October 2017 and January 2018.
“These jobs were offered to all of our existing freelance service providers last year. We still have vacancies which are available, although unfortunately not all of the group have expressed an interest in these.”
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday 23 July 2018.