Only 1 in 4 new teachers get a stable job

Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP has today said the SNP have let down teachers and pupils after new figures revealed that the number of newly qualified teachers finding permanent employment has fallen by more than half in the last seven years.

Official statistics released today show:

• The number of post-induction scheme teachers finding full-time permanent contracts has fallen by more than half in the last seven years.
• In 2016/17, 56.5% of post-induction scheme teachers found full-time permanent employment, but that has now dropped to just 24.9% in 2023/24.

Mr Rennie said:

“Eager graduates are being promised long-term, rewarding work as teachers, only to be placed on temporary and zero hours contacts. That’s a real waste of talent when young people need good teachers more than ever, when their schooling was turned upside down by covid and when far too many pupils with additional support needs aren’t being properly supported.

“Teachers are feeling demoralised and let down. I’ve met many who have been forced out of the profession because they can’t make ends meet and are tired of lurching between short-term work.

“Ministers must get serious about funding councils properly to reverse the explosion of temporary and zero hours contracts. Scottish Liberal Democrats also secured more funding for additional support needs provision in this year’s budget, but now it’s up to the government to come good on that.

“Ultimately, if we are to get Scottish education back to its best, we need a change of government.”