Teachers urged to accept new two-year pay deal

The EIS said the deal was the best that its negotiators could achieve in the current circumstances

Scotland's largest teaching union has urged its members to accept a new two-year pay deal.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) said the improved offer was the best that its negotiators could achieve in the current circumstances.

It would result in a 4% increase in 2025/26 followed by an additional 0.25% next April, followed by 3.25% next August.

EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said the decision of the union's salaries committee was unanimous.

Ms Bradley said: "It has been a lengthy process to bring us to this point, with teachers having been due to receive a pay increase in August.

"Our branches across Scotland have indicated to us that they are keen to see the matter of pay resolved as quickly as possible, to allow all members to receive their pay rise without further delay."

She added that, should members accept the offer, then local authorities should act to ensure that it is paid before Christmas.

The EIS online consultation on the pay offer has opened and will close on Monday.

The new deal also includes a contractual provision for year two which would build in inflation protection.