Anonymous survey answerSurvey Nº 193

I shouldn’t have to desperately find work for 4 years before I’m eligible for a permanent contract, with the constant risk of losing my continuous service and having to start again.

Treated like numbers, in debt and without work

Published 5 October 2026 · 1 min read

Employment situation: Supply teaching
Sector: Primary

Continuous service

The impact on our mental health is frightening, having contemplated ending my own life due to lack of work and being in debt.

We are treated like numbers, no consideration given to our wellbeing, or life in general.

I shouldn’t have to desperately find work for 4 years before I’m eligible for a permanent contract, with the constant risk of losing my continuous service and having to start again.

If you are struggling, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night, or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.

This is answer 193 of the 269 written answers that teachers let us quote anonymously in the Scottish Teacher Employment Survey 2026. It answers the survey’s last question: what do the people who make decisions about teacher employment need to know?

We have corrected spelling, added paragraph breaks and removed details that could identify anyone. Words in square brackets are ours.

Every answer in the report (PDF) Survey results

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