In a joint statement, COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Katie Hagmann and COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson, Councillor Tony Buchanan, said:

“We are disappointed to note the outcome of the EIS and SSTA consultative ballots: industrial action in schools is in the interests of no one. It is important to acknowledge that the original Scottish Government commitment to reduce class contact time was made in 2021. This would have required an additional 3,800 teachers. However, it was only in December 2024 that Scottish Government agreed with COSLA to work towards a reduction in class contact time alongside maintaining teacher numbers.

“We know the workload and wellbeing of our teaching workforce is important for council leaders as employers. Councils are also keen to support all our learners and for attainment to continue to improve. Additionally, it is important to note that currently the pupil to teacher ratio in Scotland is the lowest in the UK with Scottish teachers having a maximum of 22.5 hours of class contact time per week.

“A reduction by 90 minutes per week through this policy will represent the biggest change to teacher’s terms and conditions in a generation. The Scottish Government have suggested this could be implemented through the predicted decline in pupil numbers. However, COSLA is clear that it must be implemented done without disruption to learning and be equitable across the county geographies.

“COSLA has highlighted practical delivery issues and the need for additional funding remains vital. We must ensure that the change can be implemented in remote and island communities and without impacting on Councils’ ability to continue to fund other vital services, including those which support the wellbeing of children and young people.

“COSLA will continue to engage with the Scottish Government and teaching trade unions on this to ensure the very best outcomes for both our young people and teaching workforce are achieved.” [END]

29th August 2025