The NASUWT union has revealed details regarding compensation awarded to UK school staff, including a teacher affected by a rat infestation and another injured by a toaster. The total compensation amount reached nearly £15 million, covering various claims such as unfair dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, personal injury, and health and safety.
Compensation for Personal Injury
One notable case involved a teacher who contracted leptospirosis due to a rat infestation at their school. This illness resulted in severe symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and both physical and mental weakness. The teacher received a six-figure out-of-court settlement for their suffering.
Another teacher was injured when a pupil threw a toaster and a chair at them. Following this incident, the teacher was also punched and kicked while attempting to remove the disruptive student from the classroom. This resulted in injuries that required surgery and psychiatric support, leading to another six-figure compensation payment.
Disability Discrimination Claim
The NASUWT also successfully negotiated a claim for disability discrimination on behalf of a teacher who was left disabled after a whiteboard fell on them. The teacher faced challenges accessing suitable facilities and was moved to a new role with a reduced salary. This claim was settled for a five-figure sum.
In total, the NASUWT secured compensation of approximately £15.5 million for its members across the UK in the previous year. Matt Wrack, the general secretary of NASUWT, emphasized the importance of employers taking their duty of care seriously. He noted that many teachers have endured significant mental distress and anxiety due to their experiences, with some unable to return to teaching as a result of their injuries.
Concerns Over Violence in Schools
At the National Education Union (NEU) conference in Brighton, members voted for a campaign aimed at reducing violence in schools. Delegates shared their experiences of violent incidents, highlighting the challenges they face in managing disruptive behavior. Charlotte Lawrence from Portsmouth described spending more time addressing dangerous behavior than delivering quality education.
Reports from the conference included accounts of staff being physically assaulted by students, with one teacher recounting being beaten and kicked multiple times. Many delegates expressed that the rise in poor behavior among students is often linked to unmet needs, mental health issues, and unrecognized trauma.
NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede noted that surveys indicate disruptive behavior is a significant concern for teachers and support staff, disrupting the learning environment. He pointed out that schools are struggling with insufficient staffing and resources, making it difficult to provide adequate support for students.
Source: Original report