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Written question asked by Sureena Brackenridge (Labour) on Monday, 19 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 January 2026 (named day). It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Monday, 2 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Further Education: Conditions of Employment and Pay

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to improve staff (a) pay and (b) conditions in further education colleges.

Answer

Further education (FE) colleges, rather than government, are responsible for setting and negotiating staff pay and terms and conditions within colleges.

In May 2025, the department announced a further £190 million investment for colleges and other 16 to19 providers in addition to the £400 million of extra funding we already planned to spend on 16 to 19 education in the 2025/26 financial year.

Across the Spending review period, we will provide £1.2 billion of additional investment per year in skills by 2028/29. This significant investment will ensure there is increased funding to colleges and other 16 to 19 providers to enable the recruitment and retention of excellent staff, including expert teachers in high value subject areas, and interventions to retain top teaching talent.

Targeted Recruitment Incentives of up to £6,000 (after tax) are available for eligible early career FE teachers working in key science, technology, engineering and mathematics and technical shortage subjects, in disadvantaged schools and colleges, including in sixth form colleges. This payment is separate to teachers’ usual pay.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
106705
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Staff Conditions of employment Further education Pay
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk