This paper discusses the causes of the difficulties experienced in recruiting and retaining teachers to work in schools in England. The analysis begins with a report by the National Audit Office which blamed the Department of Education's actions as the main reason for the difficulties, then using other documented sources, reports, press articles, parliamentary committee information and news channels the paper explores the problem from a wider perspective. Despite the criticism of the Department for Education it appears that though its actions have exacerbated the problem and it has been slow to acknowledge that we are facing a crisis, the main concern it appears is the tremendous work load faced by teachers in England. This, combined with other concerns is not only making teachers think seriously about leaving the profession, but also preventing potential recruits applying to train. [For the complete Volume 15 proceedings, see ED574185.]