Log in or become a subscriber

It was "excessive" and unfair to take six months to investigate workplace misbehaviour allegations, a commission has found in upholding an employee's psychological injury claim.

The teacher had sought workers' compensation for a psychological injury, which he claimed arose from facing false allegations, a lack of support from his employer, and an unreasonable investigation process.

But the employer denied liability on the basis his injury was caused by reasonable action with respect to discipline and/or dismissal.

The NSW Personal Injury Commission heard that in November 2020, the employer advised the employee a student had made a complaint about him, that it would refer the matter to the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian due to it being a "reportable allegation", and that it would conduct its own investigation...