Majority in our poll want higher salaries for new teachers

New teachers are to receive higher salaries from later this year.

Teachers’ starting salaries will go up to £26,000 in England later this year, rising to £30,000 in two years’ time as the government aims to make the profession more attractive.

Is this the right move? We asked in our Facebook poll: “Do you think wages should be higher for new recruits into teaching?”

At the time of writing, 500 people had voted with 58% saying yes, 42% no. Here are some of the comments we received.

Michael Jones said: “Nope, they are just out of training so don’t know anything. Like any job you need to earn your salary.

“Twenty-six K is a very good one for a start and as they work their way up they can aspire to be like Sir Ken Gibson, on massive 6 figure salary, way more than the prime minister.

David Jack disagreed, saying: “Don't know anything?! How disrespectful, they work in schools while they are at university and have probably worked as a TA prior to it. The money is nowhere near the hours and workload in my experience. I wouldn't do it.

Dean Swan thinks: “Not so sure it's a money issue. More to do with decades of stripping out the respect and discipline in schools and protection for teachers and more red tape along with the workload.”

Steven Dean said: “As an ex-teacher, I think even doubling the wage wouldn't be enough.”

Graeme Collinson: “Police, fire, nurses – yes. Teachers no.”