Council leaders reconvened from recess today (24^th July) for a special meeting to discuss the ongoing pay negotiations with Scottish Joint Council (SJC) Unions.

COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Katie Hagmann, commented following the meeting:

“We are disappointed that the Scottish Joint Council (SJC) Trade Unions have chosen to reject the revised pay offer made on 18^th July. We have been consistently clear that this offer of 3.2% over 12 months is at the absolute limit of affordability for councils, given the extremely challenging financial situation Local Government is facing. We believe this offer, which is above inflation, is fair, strong and credible. There is no more money available within existing council budgets to fund an increased offer without unacceptable and damaging cuts to jobs and services.

“COSLA remains committed to continuing our negotiations towards finding a solution as quickly as possible, seeking to do all we can to avoid industrial action and its damaging impact on our communities.

"In response to calls from Trade Unions, COSLA Leaders agreed today (24^th July) to raise the matter of local government finance and local government pay with the Scottish Government.  As no decisions can be taken until these discussions have taken place, we request that the trade unions pause their industrial action.

“COSLA are in the process of contacting the Trade Unions and Scottish Government on this. Council Leaders value the Local Government workforce and their essential work across our communities and remain committed to reaching an agreeable solution as quickly as possible.”