The job market in education in England is tough, with many qualified teachers unable to secure employment.  The Government has a rule that newly qualified teachers may only work 16 months as a supply teacher before they must take up an induction post (similar to a probationary period).  However, those posts just are not out there for the number of teachers that have been trained, and after 16 months many talented teachers are forced to leave the teaching profession.

There is no justification for this rule, and after 16 months of experience as supply teachers, the Government should be encouraging these talented experienced teachers to teach, rather than claim unemployment benefits.

We the undersigned believe the rule stating that Newly Qualified Teachers are unable to undertake further supply teaching work without completing induction is unfair and unjustified.  Due to the current employment market, there are many talented, dedicated teachers that are unable to secure induction placements.  We believe teachers should be able to teach, and continue to develop their skills, rather than claim unemployment benefit or leave the profession.  There is no reason why after this arbitrary length of time, NQTs should no longer be deemed suitable to teach in a supply role.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter, and we look forward to a change in this legislation.