‘Derisory’ 3pc pay increase is rejected by Scots teachers

TEACHERS’ organisations have rejected a 3 per cent pay offer, claiming it was ‘derisory’.

Unions have demanded a 10 per cent rise and threatened industrial action if they don’t get it.

And yesterday, after a meeting with representatives from the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT), which brings together unions, council umbrella body Cosla and the Scottish Government, the teachers’ side threw out the pay offer.

The SNCT said: ‘It was made clear by the teachers’ side that this was a derisory offer and that it failed to redress the decade of detriment to teachers’ pay.

‘It was also made clear that, while changes to the main grade scale would be welcomed, recruitment and retention of all teachers needed to be improved and all should receive a 10 per cent pay rise, in addition to any other changes.’

The Greens backed the move, with education spokesman Ross Greer saying the largest union, the Educational Institute of Scotland, ‘is right to take a stand on teacher pay and they have the full support of the Greens in their attempts to win a just pay package that reflects the essential work teachers do in an environment of overwhelming workloads, budget cuts, chronic staff shortages and an ongoing recruitment crisis.

‘It’s misleading for Cosla and the Scottish Government to present this as some kind of unprecedented pay rise when those who would benefit the most will still only make up half the value their wage has lost over the last decade.’

The Scottish Government said: ‘Teachers’ pay is a matter for the SNCT.’

The teachers’ side of the SNCT said negotiations on pay are continuing and a further meeting is set for October 4.