Scotland's second-biggest teaching union has almost unanimously rejected a new pay and conditions offer.

In a ballot, 4,906 (97.9%) of Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association members who voted were against the deal, while only 105 (2.1%) were in favour. There was a 72.4% turn-out.

General Secretary David Eaglesham said: "This overwhelming endorsement of both the line taken by the union leadership and the earlier stance of members makes the voice of Scottish secondary teachers unequivocally clear.

Proposals 'wanting'

"SSTA members have now twice carefully scrutinised the proposals and found them wanting. They are rejecting the proposals not simply on the grounds of self-interest, but for the long-term good of Scottish education and the young people whom they serve."

The union wants an urgent meeting with Cosla

The management side, acting through the Confederation of Scottish Local Authorities, wants to reform the way teachers work.

The proposals include introducing greater flexibility in working hours and changes to the system of promoted posts.

But what is being offered in return - pay rises averaging 14% over three years - has not won the approval of the SSTA's leadership.

Mr Eaglesham said: "Members have not been deflected from the key issues by Cosla spin-doctoring on pay figures."

He added that the SSTA would now request an urgent meeting with Cosla representatives to seek a response to the current pay claim of 8% for this year.

Similar result likely

Although the union is regarded as moderate, 98% rejected an earlier version of the offer.

The biggest teaching union - the EIS - will reveal the result of its ballot on Friday, with rejection also on the cards.

A pay deal without conditions may stave off industrial action in the short term.