I read with interest your report on Tony Smyth (November 13) which asked “Is this the unluckiest teacher in Britain?” Despite his misfortunes, I would say that he is not.

In 2008, my marriage broke down, which made it impossible for me to live at home with my husband, so I decided to give up my job as a senior teacher and move back home to Lancashire. I applied to at least 60 schools there - and visited many - but never received a single response.

Unable to make ends meet on supply teaching, I have moved to Yorkshire, but am still unable to get a job. I am only 53 but I feel over the hill. At least Mr Smyth got another job quickly. I’m wondering if Tesco has vacancies.

Carol Bigsby, Unemployed teacher, Yorkshire.