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Union-backed personal injury claims fall by 14%


Union-backed personal injury claims against public sector organisations have fallen by 14% in the past year, according to new figures released by the largest public sector union, Unison.

In 2009, the union successfully brought 3728 personal injury claims against public sector employers on behalf of its members, compared with 4330 in 2008. The total value of claims also fell from £32.9m to £28.8m, a 12% drop. However, the average size of individual claims increased by 2%, from £7591 to £7722.

Nevertheless, the union has called on public sector employers to work harder to prevent injuries at work, with a  particular emphasis on preventing assaults on their staff.

Unison's general secretary Dave Prentis, said:

"This £28m represents a huge amount of pain and suffering by members and their families. Our members work in many different areas - nurses, social workers, care workers, dinner ladies, teaching assistants and librarians - but what they all have in common is that their jobs are never considered to be dangerous. But these statistics show that in the worst cases, members are left severely disabled and others are forced to give up work, through injury.

"Sadly, many of these accidents could and should have been prevented by employers. Too often we hear health and safety directives being ridiculed. However, it is clear that some employers are still not taking the necessary steps to safeguard their staff.

"It is disgraceful that in 2009 so many UNISON members have suffered crippling back injuries, when, given the proper training or equipment, these could be prevented. And the number of attacks on staff going about their jobs is sickening. We need to make sure that anyone found guilty of assaulting a public sector worker is given a tough sentence, to act as a deterrent. I am calling on all employers to do all they can to make 2010 a safe and injury free year for their staff."

Unison has 1.3 million members, working across the public sector and for private contractors providing public services.