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The proportion of newly-qualified teachers recruited by schools has fallen for the first time in a decade, despite growing pupil numbers, according to a report. The Universities Council for the Education of Teachers suggests that education budget cuts are the most likely reason for the fall in the percentage of students from university teacher-training courses obtaining jobs.

The Department for Education and Employment has said a 50 per cent increase in entrants is needed by the turn of century to avoid shortages. Since 1986, around three-quarters of students completing university teacher- training courses have found jobs each year. This year the figure is down to 69 per cent.