. @tes is tuning into 'A cause for optimism? How has Covid impacted teacher shortages?' with @EduPolicyInst and @TheNFER at the @Conservatives virtual party conference.

Starting off is @worth_jack discussing how covid-19 has disrupted education but for teacher supply is has brought both opportunities and challenges.

The recession has increased interest in teacher training nationwide across a number of subjects, particularly in maths, chemistry and MFL, says @worth_jack. Retention is also likely to be improved.

But @TheNFER has also found school-based training placements have been in short supply because of the pandemic, reducing system capacity to train staff.

There could be a lack of mentors while there is a boost in new trainees as the early career framework embeds, says @worth_jack.

Also, the recession could simply mask problems with teacher supply - these issues will still be there when the economy recovers. Changes to teacher pay and the introduction of the ECF could mediate this.

. @david4wantage who sits on the @CommonsEd says increase in starting salaries could help with recruitment as teaching needs to 'keep pace' with other graduate professions, especially with a future increase in sec school population.

. @david4wantage adds that 'back office' functions need to be taken away from teachers - a success of US charter schools. And there needs to be more incentive for teachers to work in rural and coastal areas.

. @LeoraCruddas says schools are withdrawing training places and leaders are aware of the need to limit the number of adults in schools. This will also mean fewer experienced teachers to help new teachers which could mean supply gaps will not close this year.

She adds that groups of schools in multi-academy trusts have fared better under Covid and the 'external shocks and perturbations of the global pandemic'

. @tomhunt1988 says a key focus should be that although there are increased numbers applying to join the profession this cannot mask 'real structural issues', particularly when it comes to disadvantaged schools.

. @tomhunt1988 asks whether Ofsted's role in assessing disadvantaged schools could prove a 'turn-off' for teachers who would otherwise be drawn to these schools and find the work more rewarding.

. @robhalkyard from @TeachFirst says more people in teaching won't necessarily mean more people in the communities where teachers are needed most. Also, there will always be a need for more STEM graduates despite increases in recruitment overall.

. @LeoraCruddas says larger organisations were better able to cope with the stress on placements and it is 'really important that we look to the trust sector for some of the solutions here'.

. @david4wantage says there could be a role for retired teachers in the mentoring of new recruits.

. @tomhunt1988 says teacher pay must particularly be looked at in the most disadvantaged schools - he cites a teacher with first-class degree who earns £26k pa and cannot afford to buy in his constituency.

. @worth_jack says teachers' sense of autonomy is also very important for retention - their perceived level of influence over their work in the UK is low.