Signs of breakthrough in Scottish local government pay dispute

The civil servants intended to strike later in the week over a 2.5% pay deal, but their employers have suggested an improvement on this offer.

Dougie Black, Scottish organiser at trade union Unison, said: "After two strikes and previous fruitless negotiations, I'm pleased we now have an offer.

"It is at a level - 3% this year and 2.5% for next year - that needs to go back to members for their view. In the meantime we have agreed to suspend the selective action to allow this to happen."