It’s just unfair. I have worked so hard and passed probation just to be on a zero hours contract. Most of my applications have been rejected and only received a temporary contract after chasing up an ASN school after an unsuccessful interview to get on the supply list. I was then contacted and asked if I would like full time until June.
I understand I was extremely lucky as I only had work August–October the previous year and had no other work as I lived in Clackmannanshire and did my probationary year in Fife and was stuck on their supply list. The system worked on a text service and most of the time texts were after 8.30am and I was too far away. I eventually gave up trying.
I secured part time work outside of teaching (that was extremely difficult too as I was only being rejected for normal jobs) so decided to apply for everything in Forth Valley in the hope of getting on a more local supply list. I did eventually in Falkirk but that was after a whole load of rejected applications.
I was a mature student and my family have struggled financially. I’m still paying off credit cards and loans that we had to use in the 10 months I couldn’t get any supply work. We also cannot save because of this so we are still living pay to pay until this debt is paid off. Any unexpected payments for car/house etc., I need to ask family.
I didn’t imagine I would be earning a full time wage and still not be financially secure. My contract this year is term to term so I’m still living with the uncertainty of a temporary contract.
This is answer 196 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.