New low in latest teacher claimant count

Figures released this week have highlighted a significant milestone in reducing the number of teachers claiming jobseekers allowance.

According to labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), only 105 qualified teachers in Scotland were looking for work in December 2013, which is the lowest number at that time of year since the first collection of these figures in 2005.

The Scottish rate now equates to 2.1 per 1,000 in the workforce in Scotland, compared to 5.7 in England, 7.1 in Wales and 15 in Northern Ireland.

Education Secretary Michael Russell said:

“Against a backdrop of an increase in Scottish employment of 90,000 and our lowest overall unemployment rate in five years, I am very pleased indeed to see such welcome news for the teaching profession.

"This is the lowest ever number of teachers claiming jobseekers allowance at this time of year, following figures released late last year showing the country-wide pupil teacher ratio to have remained level, ensuring a stable teaching workforce.

“The Scottish Government took steps to manage the supply of teachers and this week shows that the Scottish unemployment rate is a fraction of that seen elsewhere in the UK.

"However, I want everyone who has committed to a life in teaching to be able to teach and plan to make a further announcement on more teacher training opportunities in the coming months to ensure that we keep teacher supply and demand in balance and help even more talented, driven individuals into teaching posts around the country.”