Teacher poisoned at work seeks compensation

A teacher who suffered poisoning while at work is seeking compensation in the High Court.

Shaaira Alexis drank from a water bottle which a pupil had laced with blackboard cleaner, subsequently suffering sickness.

The student had been able to get access to her classroom in order to contaminate the drink because she had been entrusted with a key by another teacher at the school, which is located in Newham, three miles from the City of London in the East End.

According to her Barrister William McCormick, the psychiatric effects of the incident had been considerable.

Ms Alexis, who lost her job because of her sickness record, claims that her chances of promotion to the position of headteacher or deputy head were ruined by the poisoning.

She is seeking compensation of £700,000, mainly for lost earnings and pension entitlements.

The Defendant Newham Council denies it was negligent and contests the value of her claim. The case remains ongoing.

The Claimant is represented by Croydon firm McMillan Williams Solicitors.
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Energy Performance Certificates

From the 1st October 2008, Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are compulsory for all properties that are constructed, sold or rented in the UK, in accordance with the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Currently properties which are marketed for sale will have an EPC contained within the Home Information Pack. Landlords and Legal Owners for domestic and commercial properties must commission an EPC before the property is offered for sale or let.

EPCs must be carried out by an appropriately accredited Energy Assessor.  All EPCs are monitored by an accreditation body and will maintain the same format as those provided now in the Home Information Pack.

EPCs which do not form part of the Home Information Pack last for 10 years and can be reused as many times within this frame, i.e. a new EPC will not be required for change of tenant.

The legislation has been implemented in phases since early 2008. Key dates are:

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Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)

By the end of 2008 the Government are proposing to implement PIQs into the current Home Information Pack to replace the Home Use Form.

The questionnaire is made up of information which is easy for the seller to provide without any professional assistance whilst giving the buyer invaluable information on matters such as building work which has been carried out on the property. The questionnaire will form part of the required Home Information Pack and is estimated to take approximately fifteen minutes to complete.

The aim of the PIQ is to enable purchasers to make informed decisions about buying a property prior to making any financial or emotional investments. In turn this will help to reduce the potential for delays and wasted costs, resulting in a more efficient process as a whole.

The PIQ will not be used to replace the work done by conveyancers as this work will continue until the transaction has been finalised.