Welfare system 'failing to meet minimum thresholds for a dignified standard of living'
Strike action targeting First Minister wins new pay offer

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.
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There are only two things that stand between workers and the musket’s volley today - the ballot and the union, asserts MATT KERR