Smith slams 'scandalous' drop in teacher numbers under SNP (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Smith slams 'scandalous' drop in teacher numbers under SNP

September 18, 2009 10:24 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Margaret Smith MSP has attacked the First Minister for presiding over a drop in 1000 teachers over the last two years.

Figures released yesterday (Wednesday) on public sector employment show that over the last two years the number of teachers in Scotland has plummeted by 1000.

Commenting after challenging Alex Salmond at First Minister's Questions, Mrs Smith said:

"It is simply scandalous that the number of teachers in Scotland has fallen by 1000 under the SNP.

"The First Minister failed to give any answers on how he thinks this will impact on his key commitment to reduce class sizes in Scotland.

"The Education Secretary continues to bury her head in the sand on this issue, preferring to pass the blame to local councils. But this is a centralised SNP policy.

"The First Minister must now admit that his Government got it wrong.

"They have failed to deliver the legislation, the funding or the teachers to deliver this key manifesto promise."

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

The figures relating to teacher employment in the public sector can be found at - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/09/15140059/15