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Allegations of abuse made against teachers

Allegations of abuse made against teachers that never come to court should be dealt with in a different way, says the National Union of Teachers. In its submission to the Bichard Inquiry into the Soham murders, the NUT expressed concern that even though there may be no substance to an allegation, it remains on police files and can be revealed to potential employers. NUT general secretary Doug McAvoy said, 'The existence of the allegation on file would still be conveyed to a prospective employer, but the employer would then be required to refer to the General Teaching Council to discuss the issue. This would help ensure that the mere fact of an allegation would not lead to the destruction of a career by a false and malicious allegation.' After police investigations, only around 10 per cent of allegations against teachers reach court and 5 per cent result in a conviction.

This would help ensure that the mere fact of an allegation would not lead to the destruction of a career by a false and malicious allegation.' After police investigations, only around 10 per cent of allegations against teachers reach court and 5 per cent result in a conviction.

About 75 allegations against teachers who are NUT members in England and Wales have been made so for this year, compared to about 200 allegations made against teachers each year.

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