School strikes in Scotland are being suspended as a union, Unison, consults its members on a new pay offer from council leaders. The modified offer, backed by additional government funding of £17.2 million, promises backdated pay increases to April for all staff and aims to raise the lowest pay to £15 per hour by 2026.
Unison members in schools and nurseries, including janitors and catering staff, had been on strike since September. The Unite and GMB trade unions had previously accepted the pay offer, while Unison had sought a better deal. If Unison members accept the deal, councils will ensure staff receive their pay increases by Christmas.
The strike, which had seen hundreds of schools close in 24 of the country's 32 council areas, has disrupted pupils' education. Further strikes had been planned for November but are now on hold pending the union's vote on the modified offer.