Primary School Teachers (Gender Balance)

Part of Women and Equality – in the House of Commons at 10:30 am on 3 December 2009.

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Photo of Vera Baird Vera Baird Solicitor General, Attorney General's Office 10:30, 3 December 2009

There are too few male primary school teachers. Although applications are rising, men still account for only 15 per cent. of registered teaching staff in primary schools. The positive action provisions in the Equality Bill, which passed its final Commons stages last night, will allow employers who wish to do so to choose to appoint a person from an under-represented group, provided that all the candidates are equally qualified to do the job. That would improve diversity in the work force, and it would have an application in the case to which the hon. Gentleman refers.