AT a time when supply exceeds demand in teacher recruitment, especially in primary schools, resulting in unemployment among both newly qualified and experienced teachers, it would seem incongruous and inequitable that "retired" teachers, namely those who have taken voluntary redundancy and are in receipt of fat state teachers' pensions should be re-employed in state schools either on full-time temporary contracts or casual supply teaching.

From last year's graduate class in primary education at a local college only three newly qualified teachers out of the total of 25 managed to find permanent positions in schools.

Some applied to supply teaching agencies for casual work while awaiting the outcome of applications but most had, for financial reasons, to try and find work outside education.

Meanwhile, retired teachers are being appointed by former colleagues, for both casual work and longer term positions.

On some occasions these positions were not advertised or the interview procedure implemented, thus depriving the chance for the newly qualified teacher to gain useful experience and indeed to earn a living.

We are told that head teachers can appoint who they like to work in their schools.

It does help, of course, if the person is a former colleague, preferably retired or a member of the local knitting circle.

The fat avaricious beasts continue to gorge themselves at the trough.

P JACKSON (address supplied).