Compensation to teachers doubled in four years
Posted: May 3, 2014
Posted in: School Accidents Spine & Back Injuries Workplace Injuries Workplace Slip
New figures have revealed that the compensation paid out to injured teachers has doubled over the last four years. With £40million paid out to injured teachers last year alone, some argue that money is being wasted where it could be better spent on teachers and classroom equipment. The finding that many claims are being awarded simply to prevent the costs from escalating only worsened this dispute.
Successful personal injury claims included payouts of thousands of pounds for slipping in wet corridors, tripping into potholes and falling on uneven paving slabs. The biggest payout – £500,000 – was awarded to a teacher who injured her back when the lift she was in suddenly plummeted to the ground floor. The 33-year-old from the East Midlands had been on the mezzanine floor when the lift dropped to reception.
Another teacher suffered a broken root on a tooth after being punched in the mouth by a pupil. The 59-year-old developed post-traumatic stress disorder as a result and received £91,784 in compensation.
“Compensation would be unnecessary”
The NASUWT admitted that they cost the taxpayer millions every year, however, General Secretary Chris Keates said: “The tragedy is that in most cases compensation would be unnecessary if employers followed good employment practices and followed health and safety procedures.”
Figures released by classrooms unions this week showed that the NASUWT alone helped its members win £20.7million in 2013, a 30% increase in a year. The Association of Teachers and Lecturers won £5.3million.
If you have suffered an injury at work, and are looking to receive compensation, please contact us.
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