Supply teachers are expecting to earn higher rates over the next year, according to a new analysis from umbrella employment provider giant group. The survey of the education market found that 91% of its education database expect to see an increase in earnings this year, up +10% compared with last year.

The analysis also found that professionals had highlighted higher income as their main factor behind becoming a supply teacher. During the global recession professionals reported higher job security as the primary reason for moving into the arena, suggesting that the market has improved considerably in this time.

Matthew Brown, Managing Director of giant group commented: “It’s certainly encouraging to see the education market pick up following a challenging few years during the global downturn. Supply teachers are now feeling positive about their earning potential, which suggests that there are increased opportunities in the field.”

“Much of the demand can be attributed to the addition of new technical subjects to the UK curriculum. Some schools may have struggled to hire permanent teachers in time for the new term and, as a result, have had to take on specialists to plug the gaps.  The growing optimism amongst education professionals could also be down to a more general improvement in the market. Either way, supply teachers, particularly those with digital and technical understanding or expertise, should be highly sought after over the coming months,” he added.