Support staff at Scotland’s colleges are set to benefit from significant, multi-year pay rises after an offer from employers was overwhelmingly backed by members of the UNISON and Unite trade unions.

The new agreement will deliver a 4.25% pay increase in Academic Year 2025/26, followed by 3.4% in 2026/27 and 3% in 2027/28.

Additional Scottish Government funding supports the first two years of the deal, which also guarantees a minimum payment of £1,150 in 2025/26 for staff earning £27,000 (FTE) or less. Other enhancements include a lower overtime threshold and higher standby allowances.

UNISON and Unite members voted decisively to accept the pay proposals in recent trade union ballots (UNISON: 93%; Unite: 97%). However, 85% of participating GMB members voted to reject the proposals.

Under the terms of national collective bargaining for Scotland’s colleges, a pay agreement can now proceed, as UNISON and Unite represent a clear majority of support staff trade union members.

A circular to implement the agreement has been issued, with pay rises expected to reach staff bank accounts in the earliest possible pay period.

John Anderson, Acting CES Director, said:

“We’re pleased college support staff will soon start receiving the pay rise due to them, and that UNISON and Unite members strongly backed our offer. Amid continued cost-of-living pressures, this agreement provides staff with certainty on pay all the way through to autumn 2028.”

Janet Stewart, UNISON Regional Organiser and Support Staff Joint Secretary, said: 

“We are delighted that a level of pay stability has been brought to the FE sector which will mean our members can forward plan and are not awaiting pay awards. This three-year deal will also allow the trade unions to focus on the important matters, such as job evaluation and terms and condition issues.”