Michael Gove, Shadow Children's Secretary, said, "It's very worrying that the number of sick days has risen so dramatically. The Government needs to investigate the reasons so we can make sure there is as much stability as possible in every child's education."
But teachers shouldn't become too complacent. Due to the credit crunch there are plenty of people out there wanting a more secure job who are more than willing to take their place.
England's Training and Development Agency for Schools has reported a 40% increase in recruitment enquiries to its website since last December. Latest figures show the TDA has topped its recruitment target by 2%.
A spokesman said there was no doubt that the increased interest in teaching positions was down to the tougher economic climate.
The TDA has decided to target anxious City workers who fear for their jobs as a result of the economic downturn, to tempt finance workers into the profession.
