AN East Lancashire teachers' leader has slammed an inflation-busting 3.5 per cent pay rise for teachers.

Blackburn-based Simon Jones, divisional secretary with the National Union of Teachers, said the increase was not enough to end the recruitment crisis in local schools.

In a pay deal announced yesterday, starting salaries will rise to £17,628 from £17,000 for new graduates. More experienced teachers will get £25,746 after five years, up from £24,843.

School governors will also be able to offer individual salary packages to keep head teachers.

But Mr Jones said today: "The increase of only 3.5 per cent for all teachers is still well below the growth in average earnings.

"And it is well below the increases for doctors and nurses."

However, he said the rise provided the first signs that the government was recognising the problems of teacher recruitment and retention.

"But it has done too little to prove to teachers that it has sufficient regard for their work," he added.

Secretary of State for Education and Skills Estelle Morris said: "The pay increases demonstrate the Government's continuing commitment to improving our education system.

"I am confident that they are affordable but I shall expect the investment to lead to real improvements in standards."