Pay
UNISON is the main union for support staff working in further education colleges. Our 25,000 members include learning support staff, librarians, IT specialists, technicians, professional staff, administrative and business support staff, cleaners, canteen staff and estate management staff.
UNISON and the other recognised unions negotiate a national recommended pay award for FE college staff with the employer's organisation, the Association of Colleges (AoC). The overwhelming majority of FE colleges in England are members of the AoC.
Once agreed by the unions this recommendation sets the minimum pay award that FE colleges should implement locally.
There are separate arrangements in Wales where UNISON and the recognised unions negotiate with the employer's body, Fforwm.
In Scotland, pay negotiations take place at local college level.
The modernising pay agreement
In 2004 the trade unions and the Association of Colleges signed an agreement calling on all colleges in England to introduce a new national pay scale. This national pay scale increased staff salaries across the board and introduced a much higher minimum rate of pay. The minimum hourly rate on the national pay scale is now £7.20 an hour.
The modernising pay agreement
AoC pay recommendation for 2011//12 confirmed - England
The Association of College (AoC) has now sent out the final FE pay recommendation to all colleges as 'confirmed'.Further Education Pay Consultation Result – England
UNISON members have voted to accept the Association of Colleges (AoC) final pay recommendation offer for 2011/12.Further Education Pay Offer England – Members Consultation
Following campaigning by UNISON and the other FE unions the Association of Colleges (AoC) has made an improved and final pay offer.FE Colleges England - AoC final pay offer 2011/12
Following campaigning by UNISON and the other FE unions the Association of Colleges (AoC) has made an improved and final pay recommendation offer for 2011/12.FE Pay Negotiations England
A meeting of the FE National Joint Forum (NJF) took place on the 6th June.Pay and Cuts Survey - FE colleges England
UNISON and UCU are about to conduct a survey on funding cuts and redundancies. This survey will be sent out to every college Principal in England over the next few days.Support staff terms and conditions – England
(27/4/10) Results of recent UNISON, GMB, UNITE and Association of Colleges’ support staff terms and conditions survey.Job evaluation & equal pay – Updated negotiating advice for college reps
(10/03/2010)This guidance is for branch FE college representatives who are faced with negotiating the modernising pay agreement in England. The principles described however should also apply to colleges in Wales and Scotland and sixth form colleges in England.Name and shame
(01/07/09) Find out what the pay of principals and senior post holders is in 80 colleges that are refusing to honour pay deals for their low paid staff.< Back | More >
