The SNP have revealed new figures showing the Labour party has allowed teacher numbers to fall by 308 in the last 12 months – with 150 teaching posts lost over the summer. 

The figures, revealed as the SNP campaign continues it’s fightback against Labour’s campaign of fears and smears expose Labour’s real rip off of Glasgow North East.

Over the last 3 years Labour has cut teacher numbers in Glasgow by nearly 500 , despite record funding from the SNP Government.

The figures also expose the sheer hypocrisy of Labour’s campaign – hiding real cuts by Labour’s city council behind false accusations against the SNP.

In the last year, Labour’s own figures show they have cut teacher numbers in the city from 5453 in September 2008 to 5145.8 in September 2009.  Since 2006 teacher numbers in Labour has cut teacher numbers in the city by 494.2.

Glasgow’s Labour council receives the highest funding of any mainland local authority and spends the smallest amount of its funding on education.

Speaking as he was joined by SNP Depute Leader, Deputy First Minister and Govan MSP Nicola Sturgeon and parents who protested against Labour’s school closures at the site of Barmulloch primary school - closed by Labour this year SNP Candidate in Glasgow North East David Kerr said:

“These figures are a shocking indictment of Labour’s handling of education in this city.  By their own admission Labour have cut 300 teaching posts in this city in 12 months despite receiving record funding from the SNP.

“Labour is ripping off children, parents and teachers. The problem isn’t how much money Glasgow gets from the SNP – it’s what Labour is spending it on.

“300 teachers could have brought class sizes down dramatically in Glasgow North East.  Instead Labour has closed 5 primary schools in this constituency and is pushing class sizes up - not down as well as leaving qualified teachers out of work with their refusal to fill the gaps.

“Glasgow Labour think they can take parents and families for a ride? Their arrogance and complacency is simply not on.  After 74 years it’s time to end this Labour neglect and vote for a fresh start and a real voice for education in this city, with a vote for the SNP.

 “The SNP is investing in education in the city, with funding for colleges, apprenticeships, record support for students and plans to build new schools in the city where Labour is shutting them down.

“Labour’s campaign of smears and deceit has backfired badly.  This Thursday voters in Glasgow North East can stand up for education and tell Labour that Glasgow deserves better with a vote for the SNP.”

Background:

1. Glasgow City Council closed the following 5 schools in the constituency as part of a programme to close 20 primary and nursery schools across the city:  Sighthill Primary, Barmulloch Primary, St Gilbert's Primary, Albert Primary, St Aloysius Primary

2. The decline in teacher numbers is set out below (all numbers are full time equivalent)

·         September 2008, 5453 teachers

·         June 2009 , 5295.9 teachers

·         September 2009,  5145 teachers

·         Between September 2006 and September 2009 the number of teachers has fallen by 494 from 5640 to 5145.