STRIKE action in SNP First Minister John Swinney’s constituency has paid off after workers won a “credible” new pay offer, according to Unison today.

Schools in Mr Swinney’s Perthshire North constituency were closed for a fortnight last month as low-paid non-teaching staff took targeted action to win an increase on a pay offer worth 3.6 per cent.

Despite the first minister’s protestations that there would be no more cash, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) tabled a new offer to deliver a minimum wage of £15 an hour, and a 5.6 per cent raise for the lowest paid.