HAS THE COMPENSATION CULTURE GONE MAD?
✔YES
JOHN O’CONNELL
Chief Executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance
IT’S one thing to fairly compensate someone who sustains a real injury when it’s not their fault, but it is quite another to dish out taxpayers’ money for carelessness or everyday accidents.
Union barons and some in the public sector simply do not appreciate that this money comes out of the pockets of single mothers working overtime to make ends meet, or young people trying to earn enough to get by.
It’s simply unacceptable that well-heeled union bosses think they should have open access to
taxpayers’ pockets – and the compensation culture must stop.
Every pound spent on settlements or higher insurance premiums is one not spent on essential services, like social care.
Sadly, this is all money that can’t now be spent on those who really need it – the students.
This is grossly unfair and a total corruption of what education should be about.
Just as it is unfair to pile on debt to future generations, the system shouldn’t be taking from students’ life prospects.
✘NO
CHRIS KEATES
General Secretary of the NASUWT
NOT only does the union continue to pursue employers who are negligent in terms of the health and welfare of members, but we are also now seeing a significant increase in the number of members protected by equality legislation being subjected to discriminatory treatment.
The scale of discrimination and prejudice is deeply disturbing and it is likely that this is only the tip of the iceberg.
The NASUWT has a record second to none in seeking justice for members who have
experienced unfair treatment at work and more and more of our members are feeling empowered to seek our support and assistance.
However, compensation cannot make up for the anxiety and turmoil that these members experience, which in many cases has a lasting effect on their career and on their mental and physical wellbeing.
It is scandalous governments are failing to ensure that employers comply with health and safety and equalities legislation.