NASUWT: Over 97% of allegations against teachers are unsubstantiated
Over 97% of allegations of unlawful behaviour made against NASUWT members were unsubstantiated. These latest figures released by the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, cover 2011.
Of 64 allegations of criminal behaviour made against members of the Union during 2011, only four resulted in court action. No further action was taken in the remaining 60 cases.
A total of103 NASUWT members had criminal allegations made against them; 39 cases are yet to be concluded.
The figures have been released as representatives at the NASUWT’s Annual Conference in Birmingham debated a motion condemning the continuing blight on teachers’ careers, health and livelihoods from false and malicious allegations.
Chris Keates, NASUWT General Secretary, said:
“These figures demonstrate that the issue of false, malicious and unsubstantiated allegations against teachers continues to be an enduring problem.
“Teachers’ fear of having allegations made against them is very real, yet four out of five did not feel that current protections for teachers are adequate."
“The Coalition Government has made bold promises of handing power back to teachers, but the new powers to search and restrain pupils, which teachers did not want, will leave them even more vulnerable to allegations and litigation."
“The fear of having an allegation made against them is compounded by the fact that even if they are exonerated, their career will be permanently blighted by the fact that the allegation will remain on record."
“Urgent action is needed to bring in statutory provisions to cover the recording and reporting of allegations on a teacher’s file.”
ENDS
NASUWT Press Office contacts:
Lena Davies 07867 392 746
Ben Padley 07785 463 119
Notes to editors
The NASUWT’s Annual Conference is being held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham from April 6-9.
The full text of the motion that was debated is below.
MALICIOUS ALLEGATIONS
Dave Jones to move,
Heather Lomas to second:
Conference believes that the most effective way to protect teachers from malicious allegations is to make such an allegation a criminal offence.
Conference calls upon the National Executive to take action to bring about the necessary legislative change.
(Walsall)
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