§ Mrs. Renéee Short asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many teaching jobs he estimates will be lost over the next three years as a result of public expenditure cuts; how many compulsory redundancies this will involve; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Boyson:The Government's present expenditure plans envisage the employment in January 1984 of 386,000 teachers for service in ordinary maintained schools—43,000 fewer than in January 1981. The Government look to local authorities in co-operation with their teachers to take full advantage of natural wastage, early retirement and redeployment in managing this contraction. The Government recognise that some compulsory redundancies may also be necessary, but the number will depend on decisions by individual local education authorities in the light of local circumstances.