Councils have agreed to back a new pay deal for teachers which gives them a 13 per cent pay rise.

Cosla, the umbrella body for local authorities, took the decision after members of Scotland’s largest teaching union voted overwhelmingly to accept the new offer from the Scottish Government.

The proposal from the Scottish Government offers a three-year pay settlement of 3% from April 2018, 7% from April 2019, and 3% from April 2020.

The increase brings the total earned by an unpromoted teacher at the top of the pay scale to more than £41,000.

Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland, welcomed the move by Cosla which removes the threat of strike action.

He said: "This proposal, which was backed by 98 per cent EIS members in our recent ballot, will deliver a significant pay settlement for Scotland’s teachers.

"This long-overdue salary increase, together with the other commitments outlined in the proposal and backed by Scotland’s teachers, will help to address challenges in teacher recruitment and retention across the country.

"The package on offer represents a good deal for Scottish education, and will deliver welcome stability for teaching professionals and young people in our schools."

The deal will now be formally concluded with an agreement through the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers.