STRIKE action at schools has moved a step closer as a row over teachers’ pay escalates.

Teachers union the NASUWT has rejected the latest pay offer for 2021/22 during negotiations with the Scottish Government and council chiefs.

Meanwhile, members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union at local schools are taking part in a ballot, with officials urging them to reject the proposed deal.

The EIS has complained that a pay settlement for teachers is now more than nine months overdue, as a result of “continuing procrastination” by both Cosla (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) and the Scottish Government.

It is unhappy with an offer that includes a 1% rise backdated to April 1, 2021, and a further 1% effective from the start of this year.

Des Morris, EIS salaries convener, said teachers are being offered a “significant real-terms pay cut.”

He added: “This comes at a time of soaring workload as teachers continue to go above and beyond to support young people in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

“Teachers are being significantly undervalued by both Cosla and the Scottish Government, who continue to talk up the value of education while simultaneously seeking to deliver a real-terms pay cut.”

The EIS ballot will close on Monday, January 31.

Meanwhile, a survey of NASUWT members found that 83% would be willing to vote for strike action to get a better deal.

Dr Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: “Teachers overwhelmingly voted to reject the latest pay offer, which is both derisory and insulting.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Teachers’ pay and conditions of service are negotiated through the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers.

“While it is for local government as the employer to make any revised offer of pay, we are committed to supporting a fair pay offer for teachers through the SNCT.”