BREAKING: The Scottish Teachers’ Panel has just accepted a critical two-year pay deal, ensuring immediate financial relief for educators across Scotland. This unanimous decision by the Teachers’ Panel of the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) comes as local authorities, represented by Cosla, tabled an offer that will significantly impact teachers’ salaries starting August 1, 2025.
The accepted terms include a 4% salary increase effective from August 1, 2025, followed by a 4.25% rise on April 1, 2026, and a further 3.25% pay uplift from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027. This deal is not just a financial adjustment; it represents a crucial step towards addressing long-standing concerns about the erosion of teachers’ pay levels since 2008.
Des Morris, the EIS salaries chair of the SNCT Teachers’ Panel, stated, “This is a pragmatic decision, which will provide certainty on pay for Scotland’s teachers for a two-year period.” Morris emphasized that the panel recognizes the need for further negotiations to address inflation protection in the subsequent year.
The urgency of this decision comes on the heels of a rejected pay offer in June that left many teachers dissatisfied, as it fell short of their expectations. The previous proposal included only a 2% increase in August and an additional 1% raise next May. The overwhelming acceptance of the new pay deal, which will be backdated to August 2025, marks a significant turnaround for educators who have faced delays in receiving their rightful pay raises.
Morris further highlighted, “It is unfortunate that negotiations on pay have, once again, led to teachers receiving their pay rise late this year.” He urged local authorities to expedite the implementation of this deal, ensuring that teachers receive their pay adjustments and any backdated compensation before the upcoming Christmas break.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “I am delighted that teachers have accepted this pay offer, which ensures that Scottish classroom teachers on the main-grade scale continue to be the best paid in the UK.” She noted the importance of this deal for teachers, particularly emphasizing the backdated pay that many will receive just in time for the holidays.
However, Gilruth underscored the need for earlier settlements in the future, indicating a desire for streamlined negotiations. “We should be achieving pay settlements for teachers earlier in the year,” she remarked, aiming to improve the process for subsequent agreements.
As educators across Scotland brace for the implementation of this pay deal, the focus now shifts to ensuring that teachers can benefit from their much-needed pay increases without further delays. The SNCT Teachers’ Panel is poised to prioritize other pressing issues, including the ongoing dispute regarding reducing weekly class contact time.
This development is not just a financial victory; it reflects the ongoing struggle for educators to maintain their livelihoods amid rising costs. The acceptance of this pay deal is a testament to the resilience of Scotland’s teachers and their commitment to advocating for better working conditions.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops and local authorities implement this crucial pay agreement.
