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Government reforms mean that, from tomorrow, teachers could be sacked more quickly if they are not performing as well as they should.
A survey of 82 Local Education Authorities shows that in the last 18 months, 740 teachers were accused of inadequacy - but in the same period, just 154 teachers were sacked by head teachers.
Education experts say that this is because excessive red tape and the strength of teaching unions means that it's too difficult to sack teachers who aren't doing their job properly - with many staying in the classroom for years.
But schools will now have the power to dismiss teachers within a term, instead of the year or more that it can currently take.
The spokesman for the National Association of Head Teachers told ITV News that they support the move, although teaching unions are concerned that the approach could be too heavy handed.
The Government has also said that more will be done to block poor teachers moving on to other schools once they have been dismissed, as head teachers will be expected to inform future employers, if asked, if the teacher's performance is up to scratch.
Education Secretary Michael Gove said: "For far too long schools have been tangled up in a complex red tape when dealing with teachers who are struggling.
"That is why these reforms focus on giving schools the responsibility to deal with this issue fairly and quickly.
"Schools need to be able to dismiss more quickly those teachers who, despite best efforts, do not perform to the expected standard.
"Future employers also need to know more about the strengths and weaknesses of teachers they are potentially employing.
"Nobody benefits when poor teaching is tolerated. It puts pressure on other teachers and undermines children's education."
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