A disabled teacher has been awarded a £140,000 payout after a co-worker criticised her for taking sick leave following a back operation, a tribunal has ruled. Annika Robinson, a design and technology tutor at Southgate School in Enfield, was told by a colleague that she had "let the students down" by taking time off work. The tribunal found the comments amounted to harassment related to her disability.

The case has highlighted issues around disability awareness in schools and the treatment of staff with health conditions. The tribunal recommended that the school trust implement disability awareness training for its senior management team to prevent future incidents of discrimination or harassment.

Ms Robinson’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by disabled professionals in education when they need to take time off for medical reasons. The tribunal’s decision underscores the importance of respectful and supportive workplaces, particularly in environments like schools where staff wellbeing directly impacts students.

According to the original report, this ruling is part of broader efforts to ensure that employees with disabilities are protected from discrimination and that institutions adopt more inclusive practices. Disability rights advocates have welcomed the tribunal’s recommendation, urging schools and other employers to prioritise training and cultural change to foster understanding and support for disabled staff.

By addressing the root causes of such harassment and providing adequate training, schools can create safer and more equitable workplaces. The case may also prompt other educational institutions to review their policies and management practices regarding staff sickness and disability.

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Source: Noah Wire Services