After 15 years’ experience in various schools I was recently made redundant. I obtained a contract with a local authority in the London area last term.

I worked for only two weeks in the autumn term. I have recently found out that some LEA-maintained schools (along with the GM schools of course) have been using supply agencies instead of the official supply teachers. The reason for this is, of course, cost.

Archimedes rather nonchalantly stated that teachers do not have to bother with agencies if they are unhappy with their rates of pay: “If they do not like them they need not join them” (TES, January 6). If schools do not use the official supply teachers appointed by the local authorities, do teachers have much choice in the matter?

B J VOEGELI-WIGG

2 Wylde Green Lane

Gasthorpe

Norfolk