Retired teachers in possession of a warrant have been offered jobs in State schools as the government deals with a shortage, Times of Malta has learnt.

The call, appearing on the Education Ministry’s website, was addressed to former teachers, instructors, heads of department and heads of schools.

A similar call was made a month ago to university students interested in taking teaching jobs. That led to outraged educators and students resorting to social media to declare they found it both unjust and unprofessional to have students taking up the posts.

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo dismissed concerns that university students would not be qualified to work as teachers.

According to the latest call, the retirees must be under 65 and must have at least five scholastic years of teaching experience in the relevant subject. Eligible applicants will be assessed by a selection board in case of more than one application for a subject area.

The Malta Union of Teachers says the shortage in teachers is a result of poor working conditions.

Earlier this month, the union was on the brink of calling a strike but called it off at the last minute following an agreement with the government.