Teacher recruitment agency Spring Education has welcomed the government’s initiatives to lure public sector workers into jobs in London and the south east.

The government plans to offer teachers and nurses subsidised mortgages to attract and retain key public sector workers to the capital.

“Any scheme that encourages teachers to work in the region is a positive step in our opinion,” said Matthew White, marketing manager for Spring Education.

It is hoped the initiative will help stem the loss of staff in areas with the highest property prices.

Staff would have to give a commitment to stay in their jobs to qualify for financial help.

The new package will build on an existing scheme for first-time buyers called Starter Homes, aimed at those who want to start or expand a family but who are forced to move out of the capital to a more affordable area.

“Our only concern is that the incentive will be offered to more senior staff instead of junior teachers,” said White.