Teachers could be offered bonuses of almost �5,000

West Lothian Council is also thinking of offering its staff �50 shopping vouchers if they recommend a friend.

The council needs 90 new teachers for the start of the academic year in August and said it has "serious difficulties" finding good staff.

The Scottish Executive insisted that there are enough teachers coming out of college to fill the gaps.

West Lothian is experiencing shortages due to teachers retiring, classes getting smaller and schools needing more staff to cover for colleagues who are now entitled to more time to prepare lessons during the school day.

Councillors will next week consider a plan to offer new staff a lump sum of �2,500.

For those moving into the area, there could be an extra �2,000 in rent allowance over six months and �50 may be on the table for council staff who recommend a friend for a post.