WELB slashes use of pensioned subs

WELB has drastically slashed the number of retired teachers as subs.

In 2006/7, 18 teachers across the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) began teaching again within a year of having retired.

But in 2011/12, just five teachers in WELB returned to the classroom after retirement.

East Londonderry DUP MLA Gregory Campbell asked the Education Minister John O’Dowd about the matter at the Stormont Assembly.

The Minister revealed the numbers had reduced by more than two thirds over the five year period. Retired teachers are allowed to work as subs whilst drawing pensions, according to the Department of Education’s own rules. However, the practice is controversial as a result of the large numbers of newly-qualified young teachers who can’t get a permanent start. This is despite the fact that just five per cent of new teachers - trained at considerable public expense - registered to work in Northern Ireland last year managed to find permanent jobs. Figures for the voluntary grammar sector were not included in the new figures.