Select Education, a recruitment firm for teachers and lecturers, has welcomed government proposals to change induction arrangements for newly qualified teachers (NQTs).

Under the proposals, NQTs could spend more time in supply work before starting their induction year.

John Dunn, marketing and special projects director of Select Education, said: “There is no doubt that some newly qualified teachers, especially in primary, have found it difficult to get work this year, simply because there are more teachers coming out of training.”

Local education authorities would also be able to extend the period of short-term supply work for NQTs up to a maximum of 12 months.

Dunn added: “The proposals are a sensible compromise between allowing newly qualified teachers more flexibility, at a time when it may be difficult to find a post that will offer induction arrangements, and ensuring teaching standards remain high.”