The largest teachers’ union, the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), saw a 24% increase in the amount of compensation paid to its members in 2012. The majority of the awards related to employment, equality and personal injury claims.
In 2012, says the NASUWT, its members received compensation amounting to £15,610,924 – up from £12,625,509 in 2011.
The compensation was awarded for successful claims for unlawful deduction of wages, unfair dismissal, breach of contract, constructive dismissal and discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, disability, age and trade union activity.
According to the Independent, the largest award (£268,787) was given to a 45-year-old teacher who suffered severe mental and physical injuries after being assaulted when he tried to restrain a pupil who was attacking another teacher.
“Behind every one of these cases is a person who has been damaged physically or mentally, either because of injury or unfair dismissal,” said Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT.
He warned that more cases were likely to arise in future, as a result of the recent deregulation of health and safety provisions, employment and equality legislation.
Contact us for a Free Employment Law Consultation
To find out how we can help you with employment law advice or other legal services, please click here or call us today on 0141 433 2626 and let us help you.