Italian temporary teachers granted paid leave rights; new GPS 150‑preference rules for substitute assignments

The Italian Supreme Court (Cassazione) ruled in sentence 883/2026 that fixed‑term teachers are entitled to monetary compensation for untaken vacation days. The indemnity is calculated on the difference between accrued days and days of class suspension, with a formal notice required from the school director for the period between the end of lessons and 30 June. Annually, 100,000‑150,000 temporary teachers face contracts that end by 30 June, many of whom cannot use all entitled holidays.

From 16 July to 29 July 2026, teachers must submit up to 150 preferred locations for substitute positions through the online Istanze Online platform. A new allocation algorithm will reconsider applications after the first round, increasing the chance of assignments. The process includes a 15 % reserve for the Universal Civil Service per competition class, subject to an overall 50 % reserve cap. Applicants must indicate school types, contract duration, and follow a strategic “three‑block” selection method to optimise placement.

Teachers transitioning from fixed‑term to permanent contracts must file provisional‑assignment requests between 10 July and 21 July 2026 using the ministry’s paper form, transmitted via PEC or other digital means. Specific exemptions to mobility rules may apply for those bound by three‑year tenure clauses.