Latest editorial
SCOTTISH teachers are expected to start the new academic year amid crippling staff shortages after councils reported that 500 teaching positions have not been filled.
Teaching unions are demanded action after the shocking finding was revealed, arguing that recruitment of new teachers has plummeted in the face of falling real terms wages, worsening conditions and increasing workloads.
The survey of Scottish local authorities by the Herald newspaper found 20 councils out of Scotland’s 32 council areas reported 404 unfilled posts while the other 12 were still advertising for around 100 jobs.
With 12,000 fewer teachers since 2010 and dwindling resources, Scotland’s schools desperately need investment to support diverse learners rather than empty promises from politicians, writes ANDREA BRADLEY
With 170,000 children living in poverty in north-east England and teachers leaving in droves over 20 per cent real-terms pay cuts since 2010, all while private companies siphon off billions, it is time to unite and fight for education, writes MATT WRACK
