HARPENDEN MP Peter Lilley has emphasised the gravity of new government figures for teacher vacancies across Hertfordshire schools as the latest survey, carried out in September, reveals 209 vacancies throughout the county.

Although this figure shows a drop from last April's registered 261 teacher vacancies, there are fears that, what Mr Lilley termed "the puny" allocation of government funds towards starter-homes for key workers will deter potential recruits to the profession.

Mr Lilley said: "These latest vacancy figures reflect the Government's failure to adequately cater for the high cost of living in the county."

Despite being the second most expensive area in the country to live, Hertfordshire received less than three times as much money as counties such as Oxfordshire and Surrey.

Hertfordshire County Council was hoping for financial support to help 500 teachers, 25 firefighters and 175 social workers, but the government settlement of £2.53 million, in contrast, could help just 68 teachers and 12 firefighters and social workers over the next three years.

Oxfordshire, which received £7.55 million, was able to help 244 workers while Kent and Surrey received £6.52 million and £15.19 million respectively.

Council leader Robert Ellis said: "The average price of a one-bedroomed flat in Hertfordshire is £85,000, the starting salary for a new teacher is £18,000. These figures speak for themselves.

"For a government that repeats the mantra 'education, education, education,' little is being done to address teacher shortages."

At the time the allocation was particularly disheartening for the county council's teacher recruitment team who had launched a number of initiatives during the summer to welcome both trainee and returning teachers.

Following a council meeting in Wheathampstead last week where head teachers and advisors across the county met to discuss the situation, Mr Lilley highlighted the importance of continuing with the recruitment drive throughout Hertfordshire.

He also stressed the need to continue campaigning for more money.

He said: "There is insufficient flexibility in recruitment procedures. We need to have a greater autonomy."

He suggested that recognition of Australian teaching qualifications in this country might bolster numbers: "An awful lot of Australians come to this country for a couple of years."

He added: "By not recognising their existing teaching qualifications, we are losing out."

The latest figures for St Albans record nine vacancies at primary and nursery schools, five at secondary schools and three at special schools.

December 13, 2001 15:30