Teachers' union reports sharp rise in personal injury awards

Members of the NASUWT teachers‘ union won a record £7.6 million in compensation last year in personal injury payouts and employment tribunal awards.

The figure was published in the union’s annual report which includes details of some of the most serious cases of violence faced by teachers from pupils.

Over £1.8 million was awarded to members in personal injury claims last year. These included £129,600 for a teacher in Preston who was hit on the head by a brick thrown by a pupil, and £27,500 for a teacher from Manchester who was attacked by a 12-year-old.

General secretary Chris Keates said some people will think that employees appear to secure large amounts of compensation.

She pointed out: “Instead of the focus being on the level of compensation, questions should be asked about the actions and negligence of employers which caused the problems in the first place. It is in the interests of employees for employers to take their legal duty of care for those they employ seriously. It is also in the public interest to avoid the loss of skilled and expert workers and the payout of large amounts of public money.”