Scottish teaching staff to receive 2% pay rise

College teaching staff in Scotland will receive a 2% pay rise for the 2020-2021 year, following on from a pay agreement reached on 30 September 2020.

The new deal, agreed with the employees’ representatives Educational Institute of Scotland Further Education Lecturers Association (EIS-FELA) and Colleges Scotland Employers' Association, will reward employees for the vital role they have played during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

This pay increase for staff working in teaching roles at colleges, is in addition to the new funding package that the Scottish government has introducedto support the wellbeing of employees working at schools due to the pressures of the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, effective October 2020.

A spokesperson for Colleges Scotland Employers’ Association said: “We are pleased that the EIS-FELA has accepted the employers’ offer which will see all lecturing staff across Scotland receive a 2% consolidated pay increase for 2020-21. This year has been extremely challenging because of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and the sector is facing significant financial challenges, so it is good news that an agreement has been reached.

“During the pandemic, college staff stepped up to effectively deliver online remote teaching during lockdown and have worked hard to ensure that blended learning can take place this academic year, and it is only right that this dedication is recognised and augments the excellent pay, terms and conditions already in place for lecturing staff across Scotland.

“Colleges will be vital to Scotland’s inclusive social and economic recovery as we emerge from the pandemic by providing opportunities for people to train, reskill and upskill, and our staff will be at the heart of supporting individuals and delivering the skilled workforce that businesses need.”