A PAY offer to council workers was described by union representatives today as a “slap in the face” for hard-working staff who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic.

Unison said that the proposal from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) of up to £800 for those earning less than £25,000 fell far short of what local government workers deserve.

The union, which demanded £2,000, said that the Cosla proposal would give those on the lowest wages less than £10 a week more, which it said “does little to address issues of low pay.” Unison also raised a number of other concerns about clauses in the offer.  

Union representatives urged the local authorities to return swiftly with a higher offer, warning that workers could enter another financial year without a pay rise. 

Unison’s Mark Ferguson said: “This offer is a slap in the face to our dedicated local government workforce.”