LONG working hours and a gruelling schedule are taking their toll on teachers in East Lancashire -- as schools struggle to attract new recruits.

The teachers say their health and home life is suffering as a result of working up to 60 hours a week.

The average teacher in the region spends 43 hours in the classroom and an additional 18 hours working on classroom preparation each week. Almost half of those questioned felt that their time-consuming job has caused them to suffer from depression.

Two thirds admit to being affected by insomnia.

Unsurprisingly, the heavy timetable and mental strain also has a knock-on effect at home. Nearly all teachers questioned -- 95 per cent -- said their home and family life was badly affected by their long working hours and teaching commitments.

The long working hours are impacting on their performance in the classroom, with 63 per cent saying that it had a negative impact on their teaching.

The reality of a teacher's day is far from over once school is out, as everyone surveyed toils in the evening and 95 per cent sacrifice their weekends. There is no respite during the day either -- 79 per cent said that a working lunch was usually on the menu.

Those starting a career in teaching shouldn't rely on their schedule improving with time. The research reveals that 83 per cent of teachers thought that they put in longer hours now than when they first entered the profession.

More frustrating for many, though, was the feeling that their hardship was unappreciated. Ninety per cent felt their work was underestimated by people working in other professions.

Henny Fordham, editor of justforteachers.co.uk, which conducted the survey, said: "Teachers are crucial for the wealth of the nation and their working conditions are contributing to poor health and low morale in the profession. It is vital that teachers are given more support and fewer administration responsibilities."