Following the results of SJC Trade Unions’ Consultative Ballots COSLA has today (Thursday) expressed its disappointment and re-iterated that the offer made is strong and compares very favourably with other sectors.

COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “This strong offer clearly illustrates the value Councils place on their workforce, and it compares well to other sectors. It recognises the cost-of-living pressures on our workforce and critically, it seeks to protect jobs and services. This is a point that I will be reiterating to Council Leaders at our meeting tomorrow.

“While the offer value in year is 5.5%, the average uplift on salaries going into the next financial year is 7%.  Those on the Scottish Local Government Living Wage would get 9.12% and those at higher grades, where Councils are experiencing severe recruitment challenges, would see 6.05%.

“It is an offer which recognises both the vital role of the people who deliver our essential services across Councils every day and the value that we, as employers, place on them.  Crucially, it also raises the Scottish Local Government Living Wage by 99p to £11.84 per hour and sets out a commitment to work with our Trade Unions to develop a road map to £15 per hour in a way that protects our workforce and services we deliver.”