Marked concern 3

It is no wonder that universities and further education colleges are finding it hard to recruit well-qualified, experienced and motivated staff.

As a senior teacher with 30 years' experience, I investigated academic posts in teacher education and research only to discover that even as a senior lecturer I would face a substantial pay reduction and worse conditions of service.

In order to recruit, retain, motivate and promote post-19 provision, staff must be rewarded, valued and given genuine recognition for the work they undertake.

Tokenism and cynicism will not resolve this long-standing issue.

Len Parkyn Brighton and Hove