§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to restrict the number of early retirements in the teaching profession. [3417]
§ Mrs. GillanI announced on 22 October consultation on a proposal to transfer directly to employers the costs of the premature retirement of teachers from 1 April 1997. This will enable employers' contribution rates to the teachers' superannuation scheme to be reduced to 7.2 per cent. of salaries instead of raised to 8.8 per cent. It will be for employers to decide how many premature retirements they want to finance. The Government think it important that schools should retain more of their experienced teachers, so as to maintain the quality of education and reduce demands on the teacher training system.