Local government pay offer boosted thanks to Scottish Government cash injection

Council leaders have boosted their pay offer to local government staff in Scotland thanks to a cash injection from the Scottish Government.

Employers’ body COSLA has enhanced its proposed rise for staff in 2024-25 from 3.2% to an increase of £1,292 or 3.6%, whichever is greater. The deal is worth 4.27% on average, with most social workers being offered 3.6%.

In response, the three unions – UNISON, Unite and the GMB – have suspended planned strike action this week by waste and street cleaning staff, in order to consult members on the improved offer.

The employers’ body said the revision to the offer followed “intense discussions between COSLA and Scottish Government, and with our trade unions”.

“Having worked hard over the last week with Scottish Government to increase and guarantee additional funding, leaders are now in a position to make this improved offer to our trade unions,” said COSLA’s resources spokesperson Katie Hagmann. “This offer reflects what trade unions have asked for.”

The three unions will now consult members on the plans, however, they took different perspectives on the proposed deal.

Both Unite and the GMB described COSLA’s proposal as a “significant improvement”, with the former describing it as a “credible” offer.

However, UNISON Scotland said it was “not enough”, that it would continue to ballot schools, early years and family centre staff on taking industrial action and that it was recommending that members reject the proposal.

According to the union, council staff have seen the value of their pay fall by 25% in real terms over the past 14 years. This appears to be based on comparing average increases in annual pay across Scottish councils with the retail price index measure of inflation since 2010.

“Any pay deal needs to do more to reverse this,” said David O’Connor, UNISON Scotland’s local government lead.

“The union has been clear all along that the wage deal needs to work for everyone in local government. This pause will provide some breathing space for further dialogue.”

For the GMB, senior organiser for Scotland Keir Greenaway said: “This offer is a significant improvement on what came before but our members will decide if it is acceptable. It is better than that offered to council staff in England and Wales, would mean every worker receives a rise higher than the retail price index and, importantly, is weighted to ensure frontline workers gain most.”

However, Greenaway criticised council leaders over how long it had them to approach the Scottish Government for assistance.