SCOTLAND’S councils could face widespread strikes after the Unite union confirmed that it has served notice to all 32 local authorities following an overwhelming rejection of the current pay offer.

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) proposal of just 19p per day extra for workers on £25,000 a year — covering more than half of its predominantly female staff — has now been thrown out by unions. 

A ballot that closed this week saw members reject the Cosla pay offer by 83 per cent, with 74 per cent indicating a willingness to take strike action.