Scottish Government: Improved pay offer in colleges dispute

Commenting the improved pay award offer to college lecturers, Higher and Further Education minister Graeme Dey said:

“This is a hugely welcome development and comes after significant efforts on both sides to break the impasse and find a resolution to this dispute.

“This agreement would represent a strong package for college staff, despite the pressures on public finances, and I would hope that union members will accept this deal.

“I have sought to engage with both the employers and the union throughout this process and this week agreed that provision will be made in the 2025/26 college budget allocations for an additional £4.5m to support the cost of this pay deal.

“I know all sides want to minimise disruption to students who have now returned for the start of the new academic term and that's why it's so pivotal that this dispute is settled.”