Rennie: Decline in college staff shows SNP neglect of further education

Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP has said that a decline in college staff illustrates the SNP’ s neglect of the economy and further education, as he urged the government to deliver on funding secured by the Liberal Democrats to support the sector.

New statistics published today by the Scottish Funding Council show that:

• The number of FTE staff employed in colleges in 2023-2024 decreased by 845 (7.7%) from the previous year.  
• Since 2014-15, full-time staff have decreased by 6,866 (11.0%).
• Since 2014-15, college teaching staff decreased by 7.7%, while non-teaching staff decreased by 5.0%.  

Mr 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.

“Colleges provide people with the skills they need to be employed in key sectors, from insulating homes to tourism, to social care and nursery education. We should be making sure their staff and students can thrive.”