A lack of supply teachers is a problem in some areas, Education Secretary Mike Russell has conceded.
But he insisted action is being taken to address it and that the shortage “doesn’t exist in every area and it doesn’t exist in every subject”.
Supply teachers fill in and take classes when other teachers are absent.
Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) teaching union, said that in some areas, more than half of all requests for supply teachers are not met.
“A survey that was carried out of the 32 local authorities indicated that across the country there was a problem,” he said. “In some areas it was significant: over 50% of requests unmet.
“In other areas they were managing a little bit better. But generally speaking, it’s an issue across the length and breadth of Scotland.”
The shortage results from a pay deal agreed two years ago by the Scottish Government, local councils and the EIS, which gave supply teachers the “basic” teaching salary for the first five days of any placement before going on to a higher rate, according to Mr Russell.
Talks are now taking place to change that system, with a new offer on the table, he said.
