"COSLA Leaders met this morning to consider the issue of Reduced Class Contact Time (RCCT) and the potential for industrial action by members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS).

"Following considerable deliberations among council leaders, COSLA agreed to support the proposed way forward - fully funded by Scottish Government - which we expect will enable the EIS to rescind their notice to strike.

"The joint statement agreed with the Scottish Government and the EIS commits Local Government to developing implementation plans for the introduction of Reduced Class Contact Time of 90 minutes per week. We recognise that concessions have been made on all sides.

"Despite concerns being expressed by councils, in the interests of reaching a constructive way forward and attempting to avert planned strike action, Leaders have agreed to support the joint approach. Throughout implementation, COSLA will always prioritise what is in the best interest of children and young people.

"Further detail will be negotiated through the SNCT."

Notes to editors

1. COSLA estimates the annual cost of this policy as upto £250-310M per year.
2. In agreeing the proposal, COSLA agreed that full funding of this proposal must be provided, and not be drawn from the consequential funding earmarked for ASN, which must be passed across to local government for that purpose.
3. COSLA will also seek further advice on the lack of an EQIA on the policy or Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment.
4. In 2024, COSLA agreed to make meaningful progress on RCCT. EIS proposed strike action over a failure to date to implement a Scottish Government commitment to reduce the time teachers spend in the classroom by 90 minutes from 22.5 to 21 hours per week.
5. Local authorities had been concerned around the lack of meaningful consultation has taken place with children and young people or their carers in developing the proposed implementation plan.
6. Current funding pressures on councils within education, additional support for learning provision, outdoor education, etc.
7. This has been described as "the biggest change to teachers’ terms and conditions since the introduction of the original McCrone Agreement" and requires more considered implementation.
8. It is recognised there will be challenges to fully implementing in all parts of the country due to recruitment shortages in both rural, remote and island communities and in specialist subjects.  Timeframes for implementation are set out in the joint statement.

13th March 2026