Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP has welcomed a vote by the EIS and SSTA teaching unions members to accept the most generous offer to teachers in more than 20 years.
With a turnout of 82%, the SNP Government’s new pay offer was agreed by 90% of teachers who voted.
Teachers in Scotland are already the best paid in the UK and this deal will mean a salary rise of £5,200 in April for most teachers, and a cumulative rise of more than 33% since January 2018.
The 28-month deal will mean an overall increase of more than £6,100 over two years for the 70% of classroom teachers who are at the top of their main grade pay scale.
This brings the starting salary for a fully qualified teacher – already the highest in the UK – to £38,650 after probation.
Kenneth Gibson MSP commented:
“I welcome a resolution to this dispute which brings an end to the threat of further strike disruption in our schools.
I am sure this will be a huge relief for children, young people, parents, carers, and teachers across North Ayrshire and Scotland.
“It is the most generous offer to teachers in more than 20 years and one that is fair, affordable and sustainable for everyone involved.
“In Scotland we greatly appreciate the vital role played by the teaching profession in educating children and young people, which is why they are the best paid teachers in the UK – ahead of Tory-run England and Labour-run Wales.”
