Councillor Katie Hagmann, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson said: “Obviously this ballot result from UNISON is very disappointing given the strength of the offer on the table. I would like to make the following points:

“Firstly, Scotland’s Council Leaders value their workforce.

“Secondly, we have listened to our Trade Unions, met all their asks and worked with Scottish Government to put an incredibly strong half a billion pound pay package on the table – which we hope the other trade union members will vote to accept.

“Finally, offering almost 10 per cent or a £2006 pay increase for our lowest paid workers, which the unions specifically asked for, and £1929 or at least 5.5% for everyone else is as far as Local Government can go without impacting service and jobs.”