Annual salaries for directly employed college staff in Scotland earning the Real Living Wage have jumped by more than £1,000 after a higher pay rate was brought in six months earlier than required.

The increased hourly rate will be introduced at 21 colleges across the country which are signatories to the National Recognition and Procedures Agreement. It will apply to all eligible, directly employed college staff, and to Modern Apprentices.

The increase, which is being announced by colleges during Living Wage Week, reflects a national recommendation that the Real Living Wage outside London should rise by 5 per cent to £12.60 an hour.

Although the implementation deadline is not until 1 May 2025, colleges have decided that the change will apply from November 1.


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As a result, the annual salary of a directly employed, full-time employee who receives the Real Living Wage has climbed from £21,840 to £22,932.

Gavin Donoghue, Director of College Employers Scotland, the national body for colleges as employers, said: “The decision by colleges to pay the increased Real Leaving Wage six months ahead of deadline - and despite the challenging financial situation - shows how committed they are to upholding Fair Work principles.

“The latest pay increase for those receiving the Real Living Wage will make a big difference, supporting staff financially as they ensure students benefit from the world-class learning experience that colleges provide.”