A British teacher has launched an appeal for help after being rejected in two selection processes by the local ministry for education because she was not a European Union citizen. She has accused the local education authorities of discrimination.
"During this academic year 22-23 two different selection processes are to take place: the so-called “estabilización de interinos” and the selection process of oposiciones ordinarias, where I have applied for both, but unfortunately have been rejected as candidate. The reason being that I am not from the European Union, which is correct, however this criterion should not have been applied for those citizens who were living and working in Spain before Brexit, let alone those who have a permanent resident status," said Serena Farr, who has been living in Spain since 1993, and who teaches English in local state schools.
"During 2021-2021, due to my exclusion from the list of available teachers, I made a formal complaint to the European Commission who held a meeting with the educational authorities, warning them of the breach of rights invested in British citizens that come under the Withdraw Agreement. A result from this meeting was that the European Commission sent me a document that was crystal clear, concerning my rights, not only concerned with teaching, but also concerned with the right to partake in any selection process that were not related to security or issues related to the state (which are exclusively for Spanish nationals)," she said in a letter to the Bulletin.
"I would greatly welcome any support or the opportunity to denounce this situation as it is clearly one of discrimination towards UK citizens living in Mallorca and trying to make a living ... ."
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Marvin Le MartianIt certainly smells like yet another "wrongly abused Brits" narrative. It's an extension of cakeism. It doesn't matter if it also applies to 170 other nationalities. It's clearly aimed at Brits specifically, because they're the only ones that matter. And that is why "they" are always trying to punish "us". "They" must be jealous or something. You know, "them". It's "their" fault. Always conveniently ambiguous, but it serves the implication well. Having said that, I believe there should be consideration for those who have established legal residency and occupation. Regardless of nationality. Still, lots of nationalities (including Brits) seem to be gainfully employed here. It's not clear what's happening in this case.
Knowing Brexit was coming why didn't she get Spanish citizenship? And any good English teacher would normally be very much in demand. Something is missing here.
What a confusing article. Way too many holes and lack of information to understand and determine for oneself what the issue is.
Lisa JuliaIt not just the skill with the language. It’s the back story of culture and dare I say accent, humour and innuendo. That learning from a natural language speaker .. Is without value.
David HollandSorry seems
Well you can’t criticise the U.K. government for breaking treaty agreements. When Spain in particular seams to master in it. Or maybe the authorities prejudice exceeds the knowledge of what the regulations are.
This doesn’t surprise me it’s a case the powers in Mallorca haven’t got a clue what they’re doing! . Not long ago the government were promoting nomads working in Mallorca and paying Spanish tax. Another case of anti British.
I find the wording here… "said Serena Farr, who has been living in Spain since 1993, and who teaches English in local state schools" … rather interesting given it only says she has been living in Mallorca since 1993 and not stating that she has been a resident of Mallorca since 1993. While I can quite simply put that down to the MDB's writing, it does make me think as to what her actual status is.
It’s also really stupid. A good native English speaker teaching English would be an asset to any local school. Just as a native Spanish speaker, teaching Spanish in the UK would be an asset. Brexit was and remains an unmitigated disaster.