Following positive and constructive meetings, College Employers Scotland has formally presented a pay offer for support staff.

The multi-year pay offer, which includes a commitment of additional Scottish Government funding for years one and two only, would provide increases of 4.25% in Academic Year (AY) 2025/26 and 3.4% in AY 2026/27. Employers and trade unions have also, separately, agreed to a third year pay increase of 3% in AY 2027/28.

Additionally, all support staff with a salary of £27,000 or less would receive a minimum payment of £1,150 in 2025/26. Other proposed improvements to terms include changes to the overtime payment threshold and increased standby allowances.

The support staff trade unions UNISON and Unite have confirmed that they will ballot their members on the offer, with a recommendation to accept. There has been no formal response from GMB – another union which represents college support staff – but it is understood that they are recommending a rejection of the offer.