THREE Scottish education unions moved closer to strike action this evening after teachers overwhelmingly rejected a “final” pay offer from the government and councils.

Cosla, which represents Scottish councils, said the offer would give all teachers a 3 per cent pay rise as well as “further measures to address recruitment and retention issues.”

But in an indicative ballot, 98 per cent of Education Institute of Scotland (EIS) members voted to reject the proposal from councils and the Scottish government.