Fewer teachers and classroom vacancies in East Lothian
New statistics have shown that there are no teacher vacancies in East Lothian primary and secondary schools.
County MSP Iain Gray believes this is bad news for the latest wave of newly-qualified teachers hoping to get a permanent post.
He said: "This shows why local teachers are increasingly finding it almost impossible to find work.
"What chance does a trained teacher in East Lothian have of becoming a full-time professional when there are no opportunities for them locally?
Numbers
"Meanwhile, the Scottish Government continues to advertise teaching as 'an attractive career choice.'
"What is the sense in promoting teaching as a career when the Government is cutting teacher numbers?"
Released by the Scottish Government, the statistics come on top of government figures in March which showed that there are 22 fewer teachers employed in East Lothian than there was 12 months ago.
The latest figures also show the number of total available positions in Scotland has fallen from 607 to 372 — a drop of 40 per cent in just the last year.
Probation
Labour's Shadow Education Secretary Rhona Brankin added: "These damning statistics show just how bleak things are for teachers.
"Next academic year there will be almost 3500 teachers who will be completing their probation this year and looking for work.
"Fiona Hyslop needs to admit that she has failed them as well as Scotland's parents and pupils."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Musselburgh
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -0 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South west
