More than 600 Bradford teachers have been allocated new jobs as part of the schools shake-up.

But about a third of the 1,050 teachers whose schools are to shut still do not know where they will be teaching. And there are no guarantees that teachers will have new jobs arranged before the start of next term.

Ian Murch, of the National Union of Teachers in Bradford, said he had been approached by some members distraught at not getting jobs in the areas where they have been working. "There are a lot of upset people," he said.

June 29 will see the next round of allocations, which aims to have everyone in place in new teaching jobs. Mr Murch said he hoped the rest of the teachers would be allocated jobs on that date.

All middle schools will close in September 2000, with teachers getting jobs in the new primary and secondary schools which will be expanding to take more children. Some teachers will start work in their new schools this September, with others shifting the following autumn.

Councillor Susanne Rooney, who chairs Bradford Council's Education Committee, said: "We are progressing well with the placement of teachers. The vast majority will be in place but, as with any major change, it is possible there might still be some outstanding placements to arrange in September.

"We will continue to discuss our proposals and contingency plans with staff, head teachers and unions and to work in partnership with them to ensure that we make satisfactory arrangements for pupils and everyone else concerned."

Meanwhile, a dozen Ilkley teachers could be forced to apply for jobs outside the area. The first stage of staff replacements in Ilkley was completed last week and Mr Murch said there were more teachers than jobs advertised.

"There were about 10 or 12 who did not get a place in the area,'' said Mr Murch. There would be further meetings when it would become clear exactly how many teachers were needed.

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