CARMARTHENSHIRE Council has pledged to safeguard teaching jobs — for now at least.

As neighbouring Swansea and Neath Port Talbot councils warn of hundreds of impending classroom job cuts to balance the books, the picture in Carmarthenshire is far more rosy.

Council bosses say they are increasing spending on education by 1.5 per cent to £101 million over the next year.

The move comes despite council bosses having said that savings of at least £13 million are necessary over the next three years in light of the recession.

Director Rob Sully said: "School budgets have been protected by Carmarthenshire Council for the past few years, and their funding will increase by 1.5 per cent for the next financial year.

"Education is a priority for the council and everything will be done to ensure children continue to receive the highest quality teaching provision. The council is also continuing to invest many millions of pounds through the Modernising Education Provision programme, aimed at giving every child in the county access to accommodation and facilities fit for the 21st Century.

"Major investments and improvements are being made at many schools, along with a number of other new buildings."

Mr Sully sounded a note of caution, however, saying: "The challenges looking forward are so severe that it is not yet clear whether this position can be sustained for the future."

David Evans, Wales secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "We are delighted Carmarthenshire has been able to announce this, and would look for most local authorities to ensure greater budgets for education. This is a step in the right direction and has helped preserve jobs in the short term."

On the situation in Swansea, he added: "We are monitoring the situation in Swansea closely and, if it does arrive at the Doomsday scenario of hundreds of job losses, we will have to see what positive action we can take."

Rex Phillips, Wales organiser for teachers' union NASWT said: "It's very encouraging and good news for teachers in Carmarthenshire. The money will be necessary and it's good to see a local education authority prioritising education.

"Hopefully, where Carmarthenshire leads, other local authorities will follow."