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Teachers

Scottish Teachers Face High Job Insecurity, Rural Areas Hit Hard

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent report by Scottish Teachers for Permanence (STP) has found that 80% of teachers in Scotland faced insecure employment over the last year, with only 12.5% moving into permanent posts for the upcoming term. The survey of 555 respondents, which included teachers from all over Scotland, found that almost half (47.9%) face either supply-only work or unemployment for 2025-26. The report highlights the crisis in the Scottish education system, particularly in rural areas, where teachers are struggling to put food on the table and schools are struggling to recruit teachers.

Key Takeaways:

  • 80% of teachers in Scotland faced insecure employment over the last year, according to a report by STP.
  • Only 12.5% of teachers interviewed are moving into permanent posts for the upcoming term.
  • Almost half (47.9%) of teachers face either supply-only work or unemployment for 2025-26.
  • The largest cohort (42%) of teachers responding to the survey are between 25 and 34 years old.
  • 80% (446 respondents) of teachers work primarily in primary education.
  • 60.4% of teachers responding to the survey said they believe their professional service is not recognised by local authorities in recruitment.
  • 42% of teachers responding to the survey have two or more years of continuous experience in teaching.
  • Scottish Conservative MSP Alexander Burnett has warned that the findings will particularly impact rural regions, which struggle with recruitment.
  • The Scottish Government has acknowledged a challenge around recruitment of teachers in certain geographical areas and is taking action to address this.

Statistics:

  • 555 teachers responded to the survey by STP.
  • 80% of teachers faced insecure employment over the last year.
  • Only 12.5% of teachers are moving into permanent posts for the upcoming term.
  • 47.9% of teachers face either supply-only work or unemployment for 2025-26.
  • 42% of teachers responding to the survey are between 25 and 34 years old.
  • 80% (446 respondents) of teachers work primarily in primary education.
  • 60.4% of teachers responding to the survey said they believe their professional service is not recognised by local authorities in recruitment.
  • 42% of teachers responding to the survey have two or more years of continuous experience in teaching.

Sources:

  • Report by Scottish Teachers for Permanence (STP)
  • Statement by Scottish Conservative MSP Alexander Burnett
  • Statement by the Scottish Government

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