I AM disenchanted with the new pay structure (“Unions warn rise will not ease shortages”, TES, February 1). Having reached the threshold what incentive is there to remain? After annual rises averaging pound;1,700 for the first six years of their career, teachers are then given the slap in the face of no increment at all in years 8, 10, 12 and 14. If their school has enough money in years 9, 11, 13 and 15 they will receive just over pound;1,000. Are the Government and review body taking the retention crisis seriously?

I do not in any way decry the increase for the early years of teachers’

careers, but it still rankles to read that only six years’ experience will be required to reach the threshold. I, and many others, have been forced to work for at least 26 years before being able to cross the threshold.

R Welshman Croftside, Coombe Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire