By Steve Farrell - Head of National Bargaining, College Employers Scotland

The commitment of Scotland’s colleges to paying the real Living Wage sits at the heart of a broader Fair Work mission: ensuring all staff benefit from security, inclusion and dignity in their jobs. Excellent working conditions help to create exceptional learning conditions, supporting the high-quality education that students deserve. 

As we mark Living Wage Week 2026, and 25 years of the Living Wage movement, that combined commitment remains critical. It also reflects the Scottish Government’s wider Fair Work First policy, which includes payment of the wage as a core feature.

In a volatile world, the real Living Wage is a simple yet powerful way of providing greater income stability. Moreover, it is a sign of respect. By paying it, colleges continue to show that they recognise that all staff should have a decent standard of living.

In 2023, amid a surge in inflation, colleges moved quickly to offer as much support as they could, taking the decision to implement that year’s Living Wage increase from the 1st of November. This was several months ahead of the 1st of May national deadline for accredited employers. Since then, colleges have made the policy permanent, meaning eligible staff are already benefitting from the latest 4.8% increase in the hourly rate to £14.10. At a time of rising costs, this is providing meaningful assistance.

But while important, the real Living Wage is only one part of how Fair Work First is being realised at Scotland’s colleges.

Currently, institutions are obliged to meet two of seven Fair Work First policies as a condition of public funding: payment of the real Living Wage and recognition of worker voice, including through trade union recognition. However, from April next year, they will have to work towards adopting all seven criteria, bringing new requirements in areas like workforce development, addressing workplace inequality, and providing flexible, family-friendly working. To achieve these criteria, strong partnerships with trade union colleagues will be critical.

Colleges are also preparing to implement Fair Work enhancements amid a larger discussion about the future of Scotland’s public sector in a period of deepening economic and financial uncertainty. Against this backdrop, the real Living Wage, and Fair Work principles more widely, have a key role to play. Today’s world requires a workforce that is continually adapting as learner and employer demand evolves in response to economic change and transformative new technologies such as AI. Fair Work contributes to creating the conditions for that to happen, supporting staff to develop their skills and capacities, and embrace change confidently.

Financial security is fundamental to that vision. After all, it is easier to learn, innovate and grow when you’re not constantly worrying about paying the bills. That is why accelerated payment of the real Living Wage is so important, and why colleges are committed to implementing annual increases months ahead of deadline.

Happy Living Wage Week 2026!