Dear Editor

In view of the recent strikes of teachers and other public workers, it might be useful if people knew how badly teachers are paid in this country. 

in Australia, the starting pay for a secondary school teacher is $77,000, which is equal to £39,000. This is in contrast to the starting pay for secondary teachers in England which is now £30,000 per year. 

Thames Valley Police are advertising for trainee crime scene investigators (no degree required) at a salary of £32,900 per year.

In order for teachers to be given a fair salary and respect for their graduate qualifications they should be paid at least £35,000 per year. 

No wonder there is a shortage of teachers. 

Yours faithfully, 

Mr Antony J. Cottingham 

Woodley