URGENT UPDATE: The Scottish Teachers’ Panel has just announced a unanimous decision to accept a new two-year pay deal from local authorities. This agreement, proposed by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) and Cosla, includes a substantial pay rise for teachers that will be backdated to August 1, 2025.
Effective immediately, the pay deal guarantees a 4% increase on all SNCT pay points starting from August 1, 2025, rising to 4.25% from April 1, 2026. A further 3.25% uplift will be implemented from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027. This urgent decision is set to bring much-needed financial relief to educators across Scotland, particularly as many may receive backdated pay just in time for the Christmas holidays.
Des Morris, 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.” He emphasized the panel’s unanimous view that more is needed in future years to combat the erosion of teachers’ pay since 2008.
The accepted offer arrives following a previously rejected pay proposal from local authorities in June, which teachers deemed inadequate. Last year’s teachers’ strike led to a settlement that included a 2% rise in August and a further 1% rise next May, but this new deal significantly improves upon those terms.
Mr. Morris further remarked, “By accepting this offer now, we are drawing a line under the issue of pay at the current time and focusing on other critical issues, specifically the ongoing dispute regarding weekly class contact time.” He urged local authorities to act swiftly in implementing this pay deal and ensuring that teachers receive their well-deserved raises and back payments before the upcoming festive season.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, saying, “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 also noted the importance of achieving earlier pay settlements in the future to avoid delays in compensation for educators.
As this development unfolds, educators are encouraged to share the news widely. The acceptance of this pay deal not only addresses immediate financial concerns but also sets the stage for future negotiations around teachers’ pay and working conditions.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation, as stakeholders work to ensure timely implementation and further discussions about the future of teachers’ compensation in Scotland.
