2009-03-10 12:43:11 -

LONDON (AP) - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says bankers who lose their jobs in the economic downturn could be rushed into new roles as teachers.
Brown said in a statement on Tuesday that executives and professionals hit by the financial crisis will qualify for new fast-track training programs.
Specialist teacher-training courses usually last for 12 months. But Brown says some experienced professionals will qualify for new six-month courses.

Teaching unions say the plan threatens to lower the quality of education in British classrooms.
National Union of Teachers leader Christine Blower says recruits need more training rather than less.