Created on: 12 Aug 2025
Universities would not be able to function, were it not for the hard work of our members and your dedication to your work. You, and all other EIS ULA members, deserve a pay uplift which represents your value and worth.
The offer of 1.4% is not only a real-terms pay cut when set against current inflation rates, but it also fails to recognise the immense contributions that university staff make to their institutions. For too long, university lecturers and academic related staff have seen their pay stagnate or decline in real-terms, and this latest offer does nothing to address the significant erosion of salaries over recent years. We believe this offer is inadequate and sends a demoralising message to staff that they are not valued.
Comparing to this offer to recent pay settlement in other sectors highlights its inadequacy. For instance, colleagues in EIS FELA are set to receive a pay uplift of 4.14% for 2025-26, being implemented from 1st September 2025. Similarly, NHS Scotland staff have secured a two-year deal including a 4.25% pay uplift for 2025-26. These settlements demonstrate that significantly higher increases can be offered to staff and are necessary to address the cost-of-living increases being felt by everyone. Our members deserve parity and recognition for the crucial role they play in the education of students in Scotland.
The continued undervaluation of our members risks exacerbating recruitment and retention challenges that HE faces. Highly skilled and experienced professionals will inevitably be drawn to other sectors offering more competitive remuneration. This will ultimately compromise the quality of education and research that Scottish universities can provide and are world renowned for. A fair pay increase is not just about addressing the rising cost-of-living, but also investing in the future of higher education in Scotland.
Please cast your vote in the consultative ballot as soon as possible. The EIS ULA Executive Committee is recommending that members reject the pay offer and vote in favour of taking industrial action to pursue an improvement.
We can strengthen our bargaining position and seek an improved offer through our members collective decision to take action.