The number of teachers retiring early on health grounds has begun to rise again. In 19989, 2,320 teachers left the profession on health grounds, but in 20001 that figure rose to 2,610, Stephen Timms, minister for school standards, told Conservative MP Chris Grayling. Before changes in regulations in April 1997, nearly 5,000 teachers a year were retiring because of ill-health. But after the change of rules the number dropped to 3,300 in 19978. To qualify now a teacher must be seen as permanently unfit to teach.
