Further Education

UNISON members – delivering for Scotland’s Colleges

Working in Scotland’s further education colleges, you’ve already seen big changes in your work, your conditions and perhaps even the security of you job. UNISON is the main union for support staff working in further education colleges.

Our members include learning support staff, librarians, IT specialists, technicians, professional staff, administrative and business support staff, cleaners, canteen staff and estate management staff.

With the highest number of reps and regional full-time officers who negotiate with your college management, UNISON can deliver the support you need.

Further education latest news

No holiday cheer in colleges as staff vote for more strikes, says UNISON.

Staff in colleges across Scotland are set to go on strike again in 2024 after they voted overwhelmingly for more ... Read More

Further strike dates announced in Scottish colleges “time for Scottish Government to get involved ” says UNISON 

UNISON Scotland media release   Thursday, 21st September 2023 For immediate release Further strike dates announced in Scottish colleges "time for Scottish ... Read More

UNISON lambasts further education minister for failing to step in and avert college strike action

UNISON Scotland has today (Wednesday) written to the Minister for Higher and Further Education to express disappointment at the lack ... Read More

More FE News

Briefings and publications

Briefing 167 – Scottish Government Public Sector Reform Summit

thumbnail of Public Service reform Summit Briefing oct 25 final
On October 14th 2025 the Scottish Government held what they billed as a "Public Sector Reform Operational Summit" . The ...

Further education staff – consultation vote on revised offer

Further education staff - consultation vote on revised offer
UNISON Scotland's further education members have received an email with their unique voting link and are being asked to take ...

No holiday cheer in colleges as staff vote for more strikes, says UNISON.

Press Release
Staff in colleges across Scotland are set to go on strike again in 2024 after they voted overwhelmingly for more ...

Further strike dates announced in Scottish colleges “time for Scottish Government to get involved ” says UNISON 

Press Release
UNISON Scotland media release   Thursday, 21st September 2023 For immediate release Further strike dates announced in Scottish colleges "time for Scottish ...

UNISON lambasts further education minister for failing to step in and avert college strike action

Press Release
UNISON Scotland has today (Wednesday) written to the Minister for Higher and Further Education to express disappointment at the lack ...

Strikes in Scottish colleges announced, says UNISON   

Press Release
More than 2,000 support staff in colleges across Scotland are to strike on September 7 in a dispute over pay, ...

Pay rise or we rise: college pay, conditions and harmonisation

Pay rise or we rise: college pay, conditions and harmonisation
UNISON is in formal dispute with college employers over pay terms and conditions and what is happening at the conclusion ...

UNISON SCOTLAND Further Education Branch Speaks up for Support Staff

UNISON SCOTLAND Further Education Branch Speaks up for Support Staff
Do you work in further education? UNISON is the biggest support staff union in further education with thousands of members ...

Scotland’s public finances, cost of living impact & public service reform

thumbnail of UNISON response Pre Budget Scrutiny Finance Cttee FINAL Aug 22
This is UNISON Scotland's response to the Scottish Parliament Finance and Public Administration Committee's Call for Views as part of ...

Further education pay 21/22 dispute – UNISON members vote on £1000 offer

thumbnail of FE BALLOT INSERT 2022 JUNE ACCEPT final
UNISON's Further Education branch is recommending members vote to accept the pay offer. UNISON members in Scotland’s colleges are now ...

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More on responses page