College employers and the EIS-FELA trade union have agreed proposals for a lecturer pay rise of more than 10 per cent over three years – the first time such a deal has been reached so early in national negotiations.

A consultative ballot opened yesterday (Wednesday 17 June 2026), with union members being recommended to accept the offer: a 3.75% consolidated pay increase in the 2026/27 academic year, followed by 3.25% in 2027/28 and 3.2% in 2028/29. The ballot is due to close at 5pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

If accepted, the proposals would see salaries for unpromoted lecturers at the start of the national pay scale rise to £43,402 from September. Salaries for those at the top of the scale would increase to £52,247.

The proposed agreement also includes a reopener clause to ensure responsiveness to changes in inflation. Additionally, College Employers Scotland (CES), Colleges Scotland and recognised trade unions have committed to work together to seek government funding for a Distant Islands Allowance that would reflect higher living costs in island communities.

Callum Chomczuk, CES Director, said:

“Agreement on multi-year pay proposals for our lecturers at such an early point – well ahead of the 2026/27 academic session – marks a historic first for Scotland’s colleges since the introduction of national collective bargaining over a decade ago.

“It is also evidence of the constructive approach taken by employers and the EIS-FELA, and a clear sign of a step change in industrial relations at a national level following the challenges of recent years.

“This proposed pay award is fair and sustainable. It recognises the professionalism and vital contribution of lecturing staff, while reflecting the challenging financial context facing colleges. It also supports institutions to plan ahead and invest in future learning.

“CES hopes the offer will be accepted, enabling pay increases to be implemented as soon as possible.”

Anne-Marie Harley, EIS-FELA President and National Representative in negotiations, said:

“We were pleased to see a fresh approach to these pay negotiations. In the context of increased funding from the Scottish Government for the college sector, it was heartening to receive a serious starting-offer from the employers and quick progress on negotiations. 

“We believe a multi-year deal can provide some stability for all, and that risks associated with it are mitigated by a commitment to reopen negotiations if inflation gets too high for our members to sustain. College lecturers in Scotland are the best paid in the UK and that is due to the strength of our bargaining arrangements. 

“It is imperative our members living in Scotland's island communities are properly remunerated for the unnecessarily disproportionate impact of this, which is why we have also agreed a joint approach to the Scottish Government on the funding arrangements for distant islands allowance. 

“We believe we have struck a reasonable and sustainable agreement with the employer for this pay deal, with the uplifts from 1st September 2026."