The introduction of an early retirement scheme this year will make more teacher vacancies available to relieve the redundancy problem, the Education & Manpower Bureau says.

The Ombudsman today released its report on 2003 priority arrangements for surplus teachers in aided primary schools, and proposed a number of recommendations, including the re-examining arrangements for surplus teachers. For report details, click here.

The bureau welcomed the recommendations, and agreed it should not involve itself in the recruitment of surplus teachers.

The bureau noted staff appointment matters of schools are entirely within their own jurisdiction. Schools have autonomy on appointment matters and the bureau has never become involved in their decision-making process.

On handling the surplus teacher issue in the past, the bureau said the aim was to retain those experienced, professional and committed in the profession, and absorbing as far as possible prospective teachers to maintain a healthy succession for the advancement of quality education.

The priority appointment period, introduced in 1975, was a measure to offer assistance to surplus teachers and address the the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union's concerns. For years, the two parties have maintained close liaison over the arrangements.

On identification of surplus teachers, schools have been asked to formulate appropriate school-based criteria according to their needs. Appraising teachers' performance is one of the factors for consideration.