A UNION representing council workers is urging its members to reject their latest pay offer.

Unite’s local authority committee has recommended the rejection of the revised pay offer from COSLA, the national association of Scottish councils.

Councils are offering most staff a three-year deal worth a total of 9.5 per cent. The deal would include a 3.5 per cent pay rise backdated to April 2018, a three per cent rise this year, and a further three per cent rise in 2020.

Unite is concerned there would be no ‘trigger clause’ to reopen the offer if Brexit results in rising inflation.

It also said the pay offer does not restore local authority workers to the levels of real terms pay from 10 years ago.

Elaine Dougal, Unite regional coordinating officer, said: “Even with the slight increase for 2018, it still represents a significant pay cut and does not restore us anywhere close to real terms pay levels from a decade ago.”

The union will now hold a consultation with its members, starting on Monday and closing on January 29.

Cosla’s resources spokeswoman, Gail Macgregor, said: “I am bitterly disappointed with today’s decision by Unite, especially as it comes on the back of constructive negotiations.”