Union Concern Over Compensation Award Changes

Public sector union UNISON is warning that changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) could result in public sector workers like Lisa Potts, who was badly injured protecting a class of four-year-olds from a machete attack, receiving no compensation.

The government's Green Paper, 'Rebuilding lives: Supporting victims of crime', published in December 2005, proposes that those who suffer criminal violence should get compensation from their employer and not the state. In personal injury cases involving violence, where the employer may argue successfully they cannot be held to account for unforeseeable acts of violence, the union currently channels claims through CICS.

UNISON says changing this system will mean that public sector workers would not receive any compensation for a violent attack. Dave Prentis, UNISON general secretary, said: 'Public sector workers should not have to face the threat of violence, but if the unthinkable happens it is only right that they should receive compensation for their physical and psychological pain.' He added: 'The provision of wider practical support to victims is welcome, but we cannot accept financing this by restricting access to compensation.'

Source: Risks

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