UPDATE: The Scottish Teachers’ Panel has just accepted a crucial two-year pay deal proposed by local authorities, marking a significant step in ongoing negotiations. This unanimous decision from the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) comes as teachers across Scotland seek to address the erosion of their pay since 2008.
The newly accepted terms include a 4% increase on all SNCT pay points effective from August 1, 2025, escalating to 4.25% from April 1, 2026, and a further 3.25% rise from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027. This decision not only provides immediate financial relief for teachers but also aims to stabilize pay negotiations moving forward.
Des Morris, EIS salaries chair of the SNCT Teachers’ Panel, emphasized the pragmatic nature of this decision. “This is a pragmatic decision, which will provide certainty on pay for Scotland’s teachers for a two-year period,” he stated. Morris highlighted the shared commitment among all parties to negotiate a re-opener clause for Year 2, aimed at providing inflation protection for teachers.
This pay deal follows a rejected offer from June, where local authorities proposed a mere 2% rise, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among educators. The newly accepted agreement, backdated to August 2025, is expected to bring much-needed financial support ahead of the Christmas break.
Morris also noted the urgency for local authorities to act swiftly in implementing this deal, ensuring that teachers receive their pay rise and all backdated payments promptly. “It is unfortunate that negotiations on pay have, once again, led to teachers receiving their pay rise late this year,” he added.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth expressed her delight at the acceptance of the pay deal, stating, “I am particularly pleased that many teachers may now benefit from their backdated pay award ahead of Christmas.” She acknowledged the necessity for earlier pay settlements in the future, indicating that this extended deal should facilitate improvements in the negotiation process.
As the acceptance of this pay deal settles the immediate concerns, educators and local authorities must now turn their focus to other pressing issues, including the ongoing dispute over reducing weekly class contact time.
The SNCT Teachers’ Panel’s unanimous decision signals a renewed commitment to addressing educators’ concerns while ensuring teachers receive fair compensation for their crucial roles in shaping Scotland’s future.
With the financial implications affecting thousands of teachers and their families, this urgent development is set to impact the educational landscape in Scotland significantly. The coming months will reveal how these agreements will shape future negotiations and the overall working conditions for educators across the nation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as local authorities work to implement the pay deal and engage in further negotiations.
