Hi all,
My partner is currently living in HK with me working for a language centre as a NET teacher. Things are not going as planned and she is looking to get out ASAP but her contract doesn't technically permit it. However there are a number of factors which I believe could give her grounds to leave.Details as follows:
- Her contract states "25 teaching hours" plus necessary lesson preparation
- Although her teaching hours never exceed 25 (by much) she is consistently being (verbally) asked to prepare for lessons and and other roles in addition to her own workload. She has refused (in writing) but pressure is still being applied
- The centre is new and understaffed and the lesson preparation time is significantly longer than other centres of the same franchise (acknowledged in writing by management)
- In spite of a number of emails written by her expressing concern regarding her ability to keep up with the workload the centre (of which she is the only NET teacher) has continued to expand its offering.
The termination clause effectively says:
If the employee terminates the contract before the end of the contract period, the employee will serve a written notice period of 3 months AND pay the company compensation equal to her salary for the remaining contract period (10 months left on the contract in total).
Also, if she leaves before the 3 month notice period the company reserves the right to request her to find a replacement or pay the amount equal to the lost revenue from classes missed.
Is there anyone able to offer advice? or anyone who knows of an affordable employment lawyer who can help people in a situation like this?
Many thanks