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Updated: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 | Printer Friendly Version | |

TEACHER EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS A REAL CAUSE FOR ALARM

Commenting today on the publication of the latest GTCS survey on the employment of post-probation year teachers, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has voiced serious concerns about the increasingly poor job prospects for newly qualified teachers. EIS General Secretary Ronnie Smith said, “These statistics confirm our fears and are a real cause for alarm. Over 20% of respondents to the survey – 1 in 5 – have been unable to find employment as a teacher – this is almost 9% worse than at this time last year.”

He added, “Even in cases where employment is found, it is much more likely to be precarious. Only 33.4% (just 1 in 3) have found a permanent post – 10% worse than last year.”

Mr Smith continued, “Put simply, the rate of unemployment among new teachers has risen dramatically, and the quality of employment for those who do find work has deteriorated. There are fewer jobs, and far more precarious employment for those who do find some work.”

Issuing a challenge to both the Scottish Government and local authorities, Mr Smith said, “This was not the prospectus on which any of the political parties fought the last local government or Scottish Parliament elections. Nor was it the prospectus on which so many people were persuaded to pursue teaching as a career. While enthusiastic new teachers languish in unemployment, their talents and personal investment are going to waste.”

Mr Smith went on to add, “It is clear that, as part and parcel of their budget cuts, local authorities are choosing not to offer decent employment to new teachers. It is equally clear that the Scottish Government is acquiescing in these decisions. The moral contract between the Government and its new teachers has been shattered. The Scottish Government must intervene now before future years' prospective teachers are deterred from considering teaching as a career. With the age profile of the profession, there will be an ongoing requirement to refresh and renew the teaching force in order to meet the needs of learners both now and into the future.”

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