Annual salaries for directly employed college staff earning the Real Living Wage have jumped by more than £1,000 after a higher pay rate was brought in six months earlier than required.

The increase, which is being announced by colleges during Living Wage Week, reflects a national recommendation that the Real Living Wage outside London should rise by 5 per cent to £12.60 an hour.

Although the implementation deadline is not until 1 May 2025, colleges have decided that the change will apply from 1 November 2024. As a result, the annual salary of a directly employed, full-time employee who receives the Real Living Wage has climbed from £21,840 to £22,932.

Gavin Donoghue, Director of College Employers Scotland, the national body for colleges as employers, said:

“The decision by colleges to pay the increased Real Living Wage six months ahead of deadline - and despite the challenging financial situation - shows how committed they are to upholding Fair Work principles.

“The latest pay increase for those receiving the Real Living Wage will make a big difference, supporting staff financially as they ensure students benefit from the world-class learning experience that colleges provide.”