A teaching union says that there has been a cut of almost 30 per cent in the Isle of Man’s education budget since 2010.

The National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) was speaking out after last week’s Budget.

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: ’It is deeply disappointing that the Department of Education and Children’s budget is being cut in real terms yet again.

’This latest cut now means that since 2010 the education department’s budget has been cut by almost 29 per cent when compared to RPI inflation.

’Teachers and the Department of Education and Children have worked incredibly hard against this backdrop of slash-and-burn, but a crisis is now developing as recruitment becomes ever more difficult.

’The Isle of Man Government must recognise that education underpins the whole economy and the future prosperity of the island.’

Damien McNulty, the union’s north-west executive, said a lack of salary increases in the profession on-island means there’s a big disparity with some areas of the UK, making it difficult to recruit and retain teachers.

Education Minister Graham Cregeen MHK admitted his department couldn’t always compete on the same financial level but teachers’ pay was linked to the UK and a housing allowance is provided.

This week’s Examiner reported that there are 13 unfilled teaching posts in primary schools and 24 in secondaries, with others being filled by either supply staff or staff who usually teach a different subject.

In England graduates with a first class honours degree in science are offered up to £60,000 to train.

Mr Cregeen said: ’The Isle of Man is making strenuous efforts to highlight to potential recruits the many benefits of teaching in the Isle of Man.’

He cited among the benefits the island’s excellent quality of life, successful economy and low personal taxation, good quality schools and freedom from the constraints of education systems elsewhere.

But the cost of living and pensions can be a stumbling block to recruitment, with the UK Teachers’ Pension Scheme treating the Isle of Man as an overseas scheme.