I am aware that an increase under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness will become due on 1 October 2002, provided the circumstances required under the programme are met. Similar increases under the programme have already been paid with effect from 1 October 2000 and 1 October 2001. I am not aware that these payments have resulted in any significant disruption to the work of schools.
The numbers of teachers who retire in any one year represent about 2.5% of the numbers employed. About 20% of annual retirements are compulsory by reason of age and these take effect on the last day of the school year, 31 August. A further 20% occur under the provisions of the early retirement scheme for teachers and unless there are exceptional circumstances, these also take effect on 31 August. About 12% of retirements arise because of ill health and these can take effect at any time during the school year. In the case of the balance of retirements, less than 50%, it is open to the teacher to choose his or her date of retirement. These voluntary retirements can take effect at any time during the school year with particular peaks at Christmas, Easter, mid-term and end-of-year.
Teachers who retire voluntarily are expected to give adequate notice of their intentions to school management. Three months notice is normally expected by school management, excluding the summer holiday period.