UNISON members working in English sixth form colleges are being asked their opinion on a new pay offer for this year (2019-20) and next, in an online consultation that closes on 15 May.
College employers have made a final offer for the two years, following extensive negotiations by UNISON, which will see pay rise by a minimum of 5.34% by January next year.
This will consist of three staged increases in pay and allowances:
- a 1.5% rise backdated to the start of the college year on 1 September 2019;
- a 1.25% increase on those new rates backdated to 1 April this year, with higher rises for the lower paid;
- a further 2.5% increase from 1 January 2021.
April will see rises of 7.79% for staff on point 14 of the sector’s pay spine and 8.53% for those on the lowest pay (salary spine point 15).
UNISON negotiators are recommending that members accept the offer, which they say is “a significant increase” on the previous offer from the Sixth Form Colleges Association and gives some security for next year in uncertain times.
There is also the option to reopen negotiations if there are changes in circumstances, including if pay negotiations for teachers covering 2020/21 see an offer of more than 2.5%.
Given the effects of the current lockdown, the consultation will take place online using a link that has been emailed members.