Three teachers are facing disciplinary procedures after they allegedly went on a shopping trip to London while reporting sick, The Times has learnt. The three female employees teach at the Gozitan boys secondary school Ninu Cremona in Victoria and the case goes back to October last year.

On October 30, they reported sick but allegedly were on an early morning flight to London, sources said. The shopping trip lasted until November 3. The Education Ministry confirmed that disciplinary action had started against the teachers after a school doctor visited on the same day they reported sick and did not find them at home. The allegation the teachers were skiving work reached the college principal at 10.30 a.m. on the same day, a ministry spokesman said.

"The principal reported the case immediately. A medical doctor was sent to the homes of the employees in question. The teachers were not at home and disciplinary procedures were instituted against them in accordance with the Public Service Management Code," the spokes-man said, adding the case was submitted to a disciplinary board.

The teachers were being accused of "simulating being sick and with grave negligence and abandonment of duties", the ministry said.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com