by Bill Heaney
Scottish Labour has accused the SNP of treating colleges with “disdain” as staffing levels fall to their lowest point in the history of devolution.
In the second quarter of 2025, employment in Scotland’s colleges plummeted to just 11,800 – the lowest point since records began in 1999.
Since 2007, the number of staff working in the colleges sector has dropped by 4,900, or a staggering 29 per cent.
The SNP has faced criticism over its record on colleges, with a recent Audit Scotland report exposing a 20 per cent real-terms cut in funding for the sector.
Scottish Labour has said young people are being “robbed of opportunities” as a result of SNP cuts to colleges.
Scottish Labour Education spokesperson Pam Duncan-Glancy, right, said “The SNP is hollowing out Scotland’s colleges and robbing young people of opportunities.
“Colleges play a crucial role in our education system, our communities and our economy – but the SNP has treated this crucial sector with disdain.
“A Scottish Labour government will put an end to SNP neglect and help colleges thrive.”
Top of page: West College, Clydebank. Picture by Bill Heaney