A new poll has underlined the sense of job satisfaction enjoyed by people employed in the education sector.

The survey, conducted by the National Union of Teachers (NUT), found that 92 per cent of teachers love working with pupils.

By contrast, some 59 per cent of those surveyed admitted that morale has declined in the past two years.

Much of this frustration stems from government department criticism and recent changes to education policy, the survey confirmed.

Christine Blower, the general secretary of the NUT, explained that even though teaching is one of the best possible professions, "this survey illustrates how it is also now one of the hardest".

"Teachers should not be in a position where constant criticism and undermining of their job leaves them so demoralised," she remarked.

"The rewards of classroom teaching are immense, but increasingly, teachers will balance this against the struggle of dealing with ever changing initiatives, an excessive workload, unfair inspection systems and worsening pay and pensions."

She has, therefore, called on the government to start listening to the concerns of people employed in teaching jobs.

Primary, secondary and supply teacher recruitment at Capita Education Recruitment.