About Estelle Morris: Estelle Morris, Baroness Morris of Yardley is a British Labour Party politician, who was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Birmingham Yardley from 1992 to 2005, and served briefly in the Cabinet as Education Secretary.
There is nothing wrong with becoming more ambitious along the way, but I think what the government has asked the council to do is a perfectly good starting point.
If we can modernise the workforce, make them better qualified, have this framework of qualifications, then I think they have a very good case for more money.
This government has always said increasing pay is something for something.
The need for improved technical support in schools has expanded as the Government and schools have increased their investment in information and communications technologies.
However, the Government has made it clear that we do not encourage the recruitment of teachers from developing nations where there may be an adverse effect on the economy.
My focus and that of all members of the Government responsible for delivering services to the public is to make sure that the public sector can use all the skills it needs to do the job the public wants it to do.
There is a shortage of teachers but the January 2001 schools census showed that teacher numbers were at their highest level than at any time since 1984 - and 11,000 higher than 1997.
I am confident that the vast majority of teachers will work with us towards achieving that goal.
