SNP ministers accused of ‘neglect’ as college staff levels fall

The number of staff in Scotland’s colleges fell by almost 8% in a year, prompting opposition parties to complain the sector has been “neglected”.

The latest statistics show staff headcount fell by 1,055 (-7.5%) to 13,092 in the 2023-24 academic year.

The figure for full-time equivalent (FTE) staff fell by a similar amount, 7.7%.

In April, the body representing Scotland’s colleges said further investment is “badly needed” as funding has not kept up with inflation.

Scottish Labour education spokeswoman Pam Duncan-Glancy said: “The SNP has hollowed out Scotland’s colleges and betrayed a generation of young people.

“Colleges provide people with opportunities, equip our country with the skills it needs, and act as anchors in their communities – but the SNP has completely neglected this crucial sector.

“This staggering drop in staffing will do lasting damage to our education system and to our wider economy.”

Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie said: “For many years, college budgets were the first on the SNP’s chopping board.

“Ministers have neglected further education. This has contributed to our wider economic malaise because we are not producing the skilled staff that we need in key areas.

“The Liberal Democrats secured more money for colleges in the budget for the year ahead, so the Government must now ensure that funding gets to where it’s needed most.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Scottish Government recognises the vital role that colleges play in education and the economy, which is why we have provided a 2.1% uplift in funding for the sector in this year’s Budget.

“The Scottish Funding Council’s indicative allocations provide the sector with a 2.6% increase in teaching funding compared with last year. This includes an additional £4.5 million for lecturers’ pay and £8.3 million for pensions.

“Operational decisions on resourcing and staffing are a matter for Scotland’s colleges.”