More than 9,200 teachers lost their jobs in the summer term as schools struggled to stay within budget, a survey of 84 local education authorities has revealed, writes Estelle Maxwell.
Schools cut staff through a combination of compulsory and voluntary redundancy, non-renewal of contracts and early retirement.
Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, which has just surveyed LEA figures, condemned Government spending policies. “Those teachers were needed by their schools. They were forced out simply because the school could not afford them.”
Meanwhile, governors have warned they will take action over any further cuts in the next Budget.
Simon Goodenough, chairman of the National Governors Council, said: “The Government is talking about tax cuts, but I think there would be general outrage among school governors if they were to be made at the expense of education.”
