The EIS welcomed the recent unanimous decision by the Teachers’ Panel of the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) to accept a 2-year pay offer for Scotland’s teachers.

The decision settles the issue of pay for Scotland’s teachers this year and next, and followed an online consultation with EIS members which indicated 96% of members were in favour of accepting the pay offer.

Commenting on the decision, Des Morris, EIS Salaries Convener and Chair of the SNCT Teachers’ Panel said, “This was a pragmatic decision, which will provide certainty on pay for Scotland’s teachers for a two-year period.

“In addition, there is a shared commitment, between all three sides of the SNCT, in the offer to negotiate the terms of a re-opener clause for Year 2 of the deal, to provide inflation protection for teachers.

“It is unfortunate that negotiations on pay have, once again, led to teachers receiving their pay rise late this year. The SNCT Teachers’ Panel urges all local authorities to now display greater alacrity in ensuring that the pay deal is fully implemented, and that teachers receive both their pay rise and all back-dated money owed to them.”

Mr Morris added, “The SNCT Teachers’ Panel remains fully committed to seeking full restoration of teachers’ pay to pre-austerity levels, and this will remain a focus in the years ahead.