THE number of permanent PE teachers in Scottish schools has declined since the SNP came to power, according to new figures.

Official statistics show that, since 2007, the number of full-time PE teachers with permanent contracts has dropped by 7% to just under 1500. However, schools have made up the shortfall by appointing additional PE teachers on temporary contracts – most of them part-time – which has led to an overall increase.

However, teaching unions and opposition politicians said temporary staff were no substitute for full-time teachers with secure jobs and accused the Government of cutting corners.

Ann Ballinger, general secretary of the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association, said: "We're a very unhealthy country and the only way to promote our health is to provide young people with the skills they need.

"That doesn't come with reducing permanent PE teachers. A member of staff with a permanent contract can be expected to put more energy into their job. It's vital young people have continuity as well."

Many temporary contracts only last for a term or two, leaving teachers wondering where their next paycheck will come from, added Ms Ballinger.

Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative education spokeswoman, described the decline as an "unsatisfactory state of affairs" – particularly in establishing a legacy for the London Olympics and the forthcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

"The SNP failed to deliver on its 2007 promise to deliver two hours PE per week per pupil, and it is now presiding over a declining number of qualified PE teachers in our schools," she said. "Many of our Olympic medal winners spoke about how they were inspired by their PE teachers, so no-one should doubt the importance they have."

However, Shona Robinson, the Sports Minister, defended the Government's record, saying: "We are committed to the provision of at least two hours per week of PE in primary schools and at least two periods of PE in secondary schools for pupils in S1-S4 by 2014."

Figures released under freedom of information show in 2007, when the SNP came to power, there were 1572 full-time, permanent PE teachers in Scotland.

The most recent figures show this has dropped to 1465 while the number of part-time PE teachers on permanent contracts has increased by three to 403, giving an overall fall of 109.