Over the last year teachers have won £15 million in compensation payments as the result of claims for accidents, attacks by pupils and disputes.
The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) have further reported criminal assault, unlawful discrimination, personal injury claims and unfair dismissal.
One payment was made to a 57 year old teacher, in the West Midlands, who was attacked by a pupil. She was blocked from leaving the classroom and then forced against a wall. As a result of the incident she suffers from tremors, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and vertigo. The subsequent claim led to a payment of £9,611.00.
A further payment of £10,000 was made to a 33 year old teacher who was subjected to racist abuse during an 18 month period. She claimed the school failed to take her claim seriously and subsequently sued for constructive dismissal and racial discrimination.
The General Secretary of the NASUWT, Chris Keates, said the figures represented the tip of the iceberg as teachers were fearful about making complaints. Further comment was made that, “Behind these figures is a catalogue of appalling treatment teachers have suffered at the hands of their employer”.
The Union reported that it had seen a significant increase in matters relating to unlawful discrimination by employers on the grounds of race, religion, disability, sexual preference or age.
Their annual conference, to be held in Belfast, published a total compensation sum claimed of £14,933,905.34.
Should you wish to discuss a specific education matter please call 0333 202 7175 and our team will be happy to assist.