Teacher to receive £1.5m for workplace harassment

Posted: 22nd July 2015

Posted in: Employer Negligence School Accidents 

A schoolteacher from Bishop Auckland is to receive £1.5million in compensation after years of suffering workplace victimisation. 43-year-old Karen Hall contacted Durham County Council chief executive George Garlick when the bullying became an issue, with the hope that he would take action. However, despite numerous letters and attempts of contact, he failed to acknowledge her plead for help.

The former teacher of West Cornforth Primary School said she suffered eighteen individual instances of victimisation at work, which have left her with serious health problems. She said: “My health is still suffering, I have nightmares, flashbacks, I lack confidence and suffer from anxiety. I feel awful.” Mrs Hall argued that these mental health issues could have been prevented had she received the initial support she required.

Ruled in favour of Mrs Hall for 24 of 26 points

After failing to gain the attention of Mr Garlick, Mrs Hall went to her local MP, Helen Goodman, and invited her to one of her tribunal hearings. Ms Goodnman expressed her sympathy, but said that she believed that the employment tribunal was appropriately dealing with Mrs Hall’s issues.

Following an employment tribunal in February, appeal judge Mr Justice Langstaff ruled in favour of Mrs Hall for 24 of the 26 points raised. The compensation package accounts for all future loss of earnings and career loss – had she continued on the same career path – and accounts for injury to feelings, loss of pension and medical costs.

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