Two in three secondary teachers who started working in schools since 2010 are still working in temporary or part time positions.

And almost one in five ( 18pc) young teachers supplement their income by working a second job, according to a survey by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI).

Lack of job security and lower pay scales for teachers employed since 2011 represent a critical threat to the future of second level teaching, ASTI president Ed Byrne said.

Secondary teachers typically spend six years qualifying for the job - two thirds have a master's degree or post graduate diploma.

There has been partial restoration of pay for young teachers but because the union has not accepted the Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA) its members are not receiving those increases at the moment.

Online Editors