Responding to the new Occupations in Demand statistics out today, which show that education is the second most 'in-demand' profession, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders’ union said: “The fact that education is the second most in-demand profession underscores the pressure facing schools in finding the qualified staff they need.

"Secondary school teachers and teaching assistants are in high demand and this is leading to excessive workloads for those in post.

"We welcome the government’s commitment to resetting the relationship with the profession and are eager to see realistic policy proposals that address the fundamental issues affecting recruitment and retention - such as professional growth, terms and conditions, workload and pay.

“The Labour Party Conference is a moment that the government could use to advance thoughtful, practical solutions that strengthen the teaching workforce.”

NB: the figures show that the three biggest occupations in demand in the education industry are:

• • Secondary education teaching professionals (431k)
  • Teaching assistants (239k)
  • Higher education teaching professionals (238k)