Permanent teacher jobs 'increasing' - graduate jobs

Opportunities for graduate careers in education appear to be widening in Scotland.

According to a survey by Times Educational Supplement Scotland, more probation teachers are being given permanent jobs.

Out of last year's 2,622 probationer teachers in Scotland, 407 (16%) found a permanent job. Nevertheless, the proportion represents the first increase in five years.

The survey results show the responses given by 29 of the country's 32 local authorities. Temporary contracts were given to 667 probationer teachers (25%) and 917 (35%) were placed on teacher supply lists.

This means 84% of all newly qualified teachers in Scotland do not have any job security. Some councils said their own teacher-recruitment process is still taking place.

Scottish Education Secretary Michael Russell described the new statistics as a "good improvement".

Councils have apparently now agreed to secure "sufficient teaching posts available for all probationers to apply for", meaning 1,800 posts will be available after this summer.

Copyright Press Association 2011