Minister urges teaching union to come back to negotiations

SCOTLAND’S Education Secretary has urged teaching unions to “get back around the table” to avert more strikes as teachers walked out across the country for the first time in 40 years.

Members of the EIS union are striking on Thursday, forcing the closure of every school on the mainland after a lastditch offer from the Scottish Government was summarily rejected.

Under the new proposals, teachers earning under £40,107 would receive an increase of £1,926 per year – 6.85 per cent for those on the lowest salaries – while those earning more would get 5 per cent.

The EIS has been campaigning for a 10 per cent pay deal from the Scottish Government.

Speaking to Bauer Radio, Education Secretary ShirleyAnne Somerville, pictured right, called for unions to get back to the negotiating table and thrash out a deal.

“I appreciate the strength of feeling that’s within the unions, that they want to see a 10 per cent increase, but I would point out that since 2018, Scottish Government has provided – including this year’s proposal

– a 21.8 per cent cumulative increase in teacher salaries,” she said.

“We have shown our support for teachers, we recognise the value of teachers, but they also need to recognise the context the Government is working in.

“Let’s just get round the table – rather than more strike dates being announced and a further escalation.

“Let’s see what we can do to prevent that happening and prevent any further disruption to children’s education.”

She said a 10 per cent pay increase is “simply unaffordable” for the Scottish Govern