Charles Clarke has announced a significant shake-up of mathematics teaching in England.

Under the move, top class maths teachers could earn up to £60,000.

The government is also set to increase the "golden hello" for new maths teachers from £4,000 to £5,000.

Government Response: Department for Education and Skills

Charles Clarke education secretary said said: "We all need mathematics every day of our lives, from working out shopping bills to budgeting to buy a house.  We need to get away from the myth that mathematics is a stand alone subject which is too difficult for many.

"Mathematical skills are crucial throughout the curriculum, from geography to ICT, and they are vital for today's fast moving
high-tech economy.

"The steps we are announcing today provide a pathway to tackle the challenges Adrian Smith sets out.  They centre on revitalising the study of mathematics by tackling issues of specialist teacher recruitment, training and development, as well as reforming the range and variety of learning pathways open to young people in mathematics.

"It is critical that we work and engage with the wider mathematics community to take forward these proposals, from encouraging more mathematics undergraduates to work in schools through the Student Associates Scheme to promoting better local links between teachers.

"The key issue is to raise the profile and esteem of mathematics. In the meantime it is important we provide the right incentives to attract graduates to become mathematics teachers. I am therefore proposing to increase the training bursaries, Golden Hellos and increase the salaries of mathematics Advanced Skills Teachers to ensure the best teachers stay in the classroom."

Party Response: Liberal Democrats

Phil Willis, Liberal Democrat education spokesman, said: "Every child deserves the right to be taught by a teacher qualified in the subject they are teaching.

"Thirty per cent of existing maths teachers don’t have a qualification in maths. Offering money to future teachers does little to address this real emergency in our classrooms.

"The government needs to act urgently and offer professional development to those already in the classroom."

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Dr Mary Bousted, ATL general secretary, said: "The situation facing maths is critical. Too many maths lessons are taught by teachers who are qualified in other subjects.

"The effects of this upon pupil achievement are very damaging, so anything that can be done to make maths teaching more attractive should be carefully considered.

"However, we are very doubtful that a £1,000 premium will have a significant impact on enticing maths graduates into the profession.

"What is likely to be far more important is how they perceive the teaching profession. In this respect, very good working conditions, competitive salaries and excellent opportunities for Continuing Professional Development are much more important."

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

Doug McAvoy, NUT general secretary, said: "It would be surprising if the government didn't act on such a critical report. But all the evidence is that short-term responses do not deal with the underlying, deep-rooted problems.