A unanimous decision by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) has paved the way for a new two-year pay agreement for teachers across Scotland. The deal, accepted on October 30, 2023, includes a pay increase of 4% in the 2025/26 academic year, followed by a further 0.25% increase in April and an additional 3.25% increase in August. This agreement comes after a previous pay offer from local authorities was rejected in June, with teachers demanding a more substantial increase.
The SNCT, which comprises representatives from teachers’ unions, local councils, and the Scottish government, acknowledged the necessity of this pay deal but emphasized that more action is needed in future years to address the erosion of teachers’ salaries. Des Morris, the salaries chairman of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) within the SNCT, described the acceptance of the offer as a pragmatic choice that provides essential pay certainty for teachers.
Negotiating for Future Pay Protection
Morris highlighted the commitment from all parties involved to negotiate terms related to a re-opener clause for the second year of the deal, aimed at providing inflation protection for educators. The EIS had previously encouraged its members to accept the deal, labeling it the best achievable outcome under the current circumstances.
The newly accepted pay deal follows the resolution of a teachers’ strike last year, which resulted in an increase that included a 2% rise in August and an additional 1% rise set for May 2024. The current agreement means that the 4% increase will be retroactively applied from August 2025.
Morris stated, “In accepting this offer now, we are drawing a line under the issue of pay at the current time and moving to prioritise other key issues for our members.” He also expressed concern that the timeline for pay negotiations has led to delays in implementing raises for teachers. The SNCT Teachers’ Panel has urged local authorities to expedite the full implementation of the pay deal, ensuring that educators receive both their pay increases and the backdated amounts owed before the Christmas break.
Government Response and Future Expectations
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth expressed her satisfaction with the teachers’ acceptance of the agreement, emphasizing that it ensures Scottish classroom teachers on the main-grade scale remain the highest paid in the United Kingdom. She noted, “I am particularly pleased that many teachers may now benefit from their backdated pay award ahead of Christmas.”
Gilruth also acknowledged the need for earlier pay settlements in the future, stating her hope that the time afforded by the extended pay deal could lead to improvements in negotiation processes down the line.
As Scotland’s educators await the full implementation of this pay deal, the focus will now shift to addressing other critical issues, including ongoing discussions around reducing weekly class contact time. The implications of this agreement will play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of teaching in Scotland, as educators continue to advocate for fair compensation and working conditions.
