Teachers teach lesson in compensation claims
It has been revealed that teachers have filed £20million worth of compensation claims in the last year, according to the latest figures.
The claims are mainly personal injury cases due to pupil attacks and accidents. They also include employment disagreements.
However, the total amount has been met with anger by campaigners, who state that the payouts were “scandalous” and accused teachers of misusing taxpayers money.
The cases include a music teacher, who was awarded £40,000 after a door blew shut on a windy day – resulting in a ‘crush injury’ to her wrist.
Another accident claim was filed when a teacher suffered a shoulder injury during a training session on pupil restraining techniques and she was subsequently awarded £4,250. Another won £1,500 when he scolded his hand while pouring a cup of coffee.
The biggest claim was won by the NASUWT union which claimed almost £280,000 from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority after a teacher was seriously assault by a 13-year-old boy.
Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, which claimed £8.7m alone, said: “It is of deep concern that many of the claims could have been avoided if employers at school and local authority level abided by their statutory duties and responsibilities.
“Millions of pounds of tax payers’ money could be saved every year if all employers took their legal responsibilities seriously.
“Whilst the sums of money involved might seem very significant, no amount of money can compensate for no longer being able to pursue your chosen career.”
Updated on 05/04/2010