The government has welcomed a report which rejects teaching unions' demands for a maximum 35-hour working week.

Trade unions had threatened strike action unless the government addressed their concerns on teacher workload.

Despite losing out on their 35-hour demand, trade unionists gave a cautious welcome to the report's recommendation that the average number of hours is reduced to 45 hours a week over four years.

"The proposed targets for overall working time represent an acknowledgement of the seriousness of the present problem," said NUT chief Doug McAvoy.

"The principles put forward offer a significant advance on which I hope we can build in negotiations with the government. The ball is now in the government's court."

The report also says that teachers should be given guaranteed time for preparation.

It argues that schools should be given guidance on the tasks which should be undertaken by teachers and those which should be carried out by support staff and classroom assistants.

The report says that classroom assistants should undertake routine tasks, such as taking the daily register.

Morris said the report addressed many of teachers' concerns about workload.

"This report is an important step in our mission to raise standards further. It is vital that teachers spend their time teaching, not doing tasks that can be done by others or helped by better use of ICT," she said.

The report also makes the case for continuing professional development to be "an entitlement" for teachers.

It also calls for time for senior school managers to manage their schools and action by government to reduce red tape.

Arrangements for cover for absent teachers must also be addressed, says the report.