The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) notes recent media reports that an agreement has been reached between the Scottish Government and the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) on the implementation of the 90-minute reduction in class contact time. This agreement was reportedly approved by the employers’ organisation, COSLA, on Friday, leading to the suspension of planned industrial action.
However, the SSTA has yet to receive a copy of the agreement or any formal notification of a Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) meeting to consider its terms.
The Association has significant concerns regarding both the delay in implementation and the apparent inequity in its application. The Scottish Government has already allocated £186.5 million this year to support the reduction in class contact time. Despite this, it appears that secondary teachers will be required to maintain an increased teaching workload until as late as 2029, while primary colleagues are expected to benefit from the full 90-minute reduction by 2027.
The SSTA remains cautious about the delivery of this agreement, given COSLA’s track record of delays in progressing workload commitments through the SNCT in recent years. There is a clear risk that further obstacles may emerge in the months ahead.
The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee will undertake a detailed review of the agreement once it is made available. The Association has consistently opposed any phased implementation that disadvantages secondary teachers and has previously made clear that any such approach must include appropriate compensation.
In the absence of full details, the SSTA is not in a position to provide a comprehensive response at this time. However, the Association will continue to highlight the risk that this agreement creates unnecessary division within the teaching profession in Scotland.
