Supply teacher shortage?

[Rainbowunicorn76]

Hi! Just curious really. I teach in a school that has had a real run of bad luck recently in terms of losing staff or staff going off sick. We've been told that everything has to be covered internally because there are no supply staff to be found.
We've managed to get one teacher until the end of term, she had retired from the agency then the manager of her agency basically begged her to do "one last stint" for decent money. Apart from that..... nothing.
We're in the North West (Near Manchester if relevant)
Has anybody else found the same thing and if so, where have they gone?

We've now employed a supply teacher 3 days a week until Easter. No guarantee of non contact time on the days you're supposed to have it, but more chance of getting it at some point.

@Howshouldibehave it's not a bad idea at all, we have a group of likeminded schools that I can see making this type of arrangement. I suppose there would be a lot of issues to iron out.
What is one school was taking the lion's share of the supply's time?
What if one school really liked the teacher and wanted to employ them full time?
What is one school really disliked the teacher and wanted to see their contract ended whilst other schools disagreed?
I guess there are solutions and systems could be put in place but it would require a bit of planning.

How is the situation with finding supply teachers now? Are schools still struggling?

Yep, more so. I think with the cost of living crisis, I have seen more supply teachers having to get permanent jobs because of the uncertainty of whether or not they will get work. We employ cover supervisors at our school who provide support across the school when they are not required to cover lessons.
I was talking to one recruitment agency the other week, most of their supply teachers now have either retired and are flexible - don’t need to work - just do it to get out of the house… others are semi retired.
I personally wouldn’t do it, not that I look down on them cos I don’t - I just couldn’t live with not having a guaranteed income.