Up to 90 Dundee teachers could take early retirement this year
As many as 90 Dundee teachers will take early retirement this year as part of a council economy drive.
- By David Clegg
- Published in the Courier : 27.05.10
- Published online : 27.05.10 @ 05.43pm
The Courier has learned that 86 teachers across the city's schools have already been told they will be granted "enhanced early retirement" as part of efforts to prune £1m from the education budget.
The number is expected to increase in the coming weeks.
Figures obtained by Labour education spokesman Laurie Bidwell show four nursery, 37 primary, 34 secondary, four special needs and seven teachers from "other sectors" have had applications for early retirement accepted. The council employs around 2000 teaching staff.
The scheme, open to any teacher over the age of 58 and approved by councillors in February, hopes to generate savings of £520,000 in the next financial year.
It will save money by replacing senior teachers on high salaries with less experienced teachers earning less money.
Dundee City Council bosses claim that in addition to saving money in the face of severe funding pressure, the scheme will create opportunities for newly-qualified teachers looking for full-time work.
It is understood that more teachers may have early retirement applications approved in June once the council has a clearer view of the numbers and experience of newly-qualified teachers joining the education department next year.
Provide opportunities
Education convener Liz Fordyce said, "I would hope the departure of teachers who feel they want to take early retirement would provide opportunities for newly-qualified teachers.
"However, if they are applying for jobs that other qualified teachers are also applying for, they will have to take their chances."
She added, "I would hope it will get more newly-qualified teachers on the first rung of the ladder."
But Danny McDonald, Dundee press secretary for the Educational Institute of Scotland, warned that a balance had to be struck between providing opportunities for new teachers and losing the experience of senior staff. He would be monitoring the implementation of the scheme.
He said, "We know there have been quite a number of teachers who have had a positive experience in our schools and not been able to get a full-time job so, in that respect, it is welcome that they will be offered opportunities."
Education is the council's biggest-spending department and took the biggest share of cuts in the 2010-2011 budget.
New teachers in Scotland are guaranteed a one-year placement in schools to enable them to achieve the standard for full registration.
Recent surveys have shown only a fifth go into permanent, full-time jobs after completing their training.
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