A NEW deal on pay has been agreed for Scottish teachers.

The agreement was struck after a number of teaching unions backed the offer from councils.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) had threatened strikes earlier this year after talks on pay with local authority officials failed to reach agreement.

However, the EIS and the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association have now accepted a 1.5 per cent increase from April this year with an additional one per cent uplift from April next year.

Union leaders said said improved pledges on shortages of supply staff and the ongoing problem of teacher workload had made the difference.

Angela Constance, the Education Secretary, welcomed the agreement, which was announced by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers.

She said: "This Government recognises the important and valuable role of our teachers. That’s why we are continuing to invest in the profession who are working hard to ensure every child in every community has the chance to succeed.

"Reaching this agreement on a pay increase demonstrates the benefit of government, employers and unions working together positively, particularly in the current challenging financial climate.”  

Billy Hendry, human resources spokesman for council umbrella body Cosla, said: "I am delighted that we have today reached a collective agreement with the trade unions and the Scottish Government. 

"We value each and every member of the local government workforce, no less so our teachers who are doing a great job delivering high quality education to children and young people across the length and breadth of Scotland.”

EIS Salaries Convener Tom Tracey, added: "In a difficult financial context this deal was the best that could be achieved through negotiation.

"We are aware that teachers in England have no right to salary progression and have pay linked to performance.

"This offer exceeds the pay policy that is applied by the Westminster Government and while teachers in Scotland continue to pay the price of austerity, a modest pay uplift is welcome at this time."

The pay deal will also address to other aspects of concern for teachers.

Supply – An evaluation and review of the impact of the recommendations of the Supply Teachers Working Group will be concluded by January 2016 with a view to addressing any ongoing issues in the delivery of supply teaching.

Workload – A statement and principles for managing teacher workload has been agreed.