Burnt-out teachers threaten UK with crisis

The United Kingdom's education system is on the brink of a staffing crisis after a survey by the National Education Union revealed many teachers are thinking of leaving the profession because of the workload and the personal toll it is taking.

In England, the recruitment target for new teachers has been missed for five years in a row, and the State of Education survey of 8,600 union members, published at its annual conference, revealed the worryingly low morale of many of those already in the profession.

One respondent said: "Working 70 hours a week for many years has meant my health and family life have suffered. I am getting out before the job kills me."