A former teacher, who had to give up the profession because of problems with her voice, has won £150,000 in compensation.

Joyce Walters, who taught at Harlington Adult Education Centre in Hillingdon, was forced to give up her work after developing vocal cord nodules which she said were caused by having to address large class sizes and the fact that her classroom was located near to a noisy playground. She said that these aggravating conditions put a constant strain on her voice and she has had to have regular therapy. She says that even now she finds it difficult to hold long conversations.

She sued Hillingdon Council after being forced to leave her job at the school and was awarded £11,000 in damages out of court but now £145,000 has been agreed in settlement after she filed a personal injury claim. The award is thought to be the biggest of its kind and could lead to a number of fresh claims.

Mrs Walters said that her employers had not helped her sufficiently when she made them aware of the problems she had. They asked her to teach more students and refused her request to be removed from teaching beginners.

Jean Palmer of Hillingdon Council said: "After almost three years the council felt that it was in the best interests of Mrs Walters, the council and taxpayers to settle the claims."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1328093/Teacher-lost-voice-trying-make-heard-wins-150k-payout.html