Like Ken Macintosh, I have been contacted by several constituents who are teachers who highlighted to me the increasingly acute problems that they encounter when seeking suitable posts in schools during and following their probationary years. For example, one lady told me of a post for which she applied that attracted 250 applicants.

What discussions has the minister had with the education agencies to ensure that the correct balance is struck between the number of newly qualified teachers and the number of posts that are available to be filled? What steps is the Government taking to ease the problem?