Scottish local government pay deal is voted through

The pay settlement for local government staff in Scotland can now go ahead, following the granting of all three signatory unions' consent.

The move will see a pay rise of 2.95% backdated to April 2004, and a further rise of 2.95% starting from April 2005.

Agreement and implementation of the deal was delayed as members of the T&G and GMB unions initially rejected the offer, although UNISON members accepted it. Both the T&G and the GMB balloted for industrial action but have now agreed to accept the settlement.

The offer is a straight percentage increase on all spinal column points, and will run until the end of March 2006. The deal's two-year duration, in contrast to the previous five-stage deal, reflects the Scottish Executive's current funding arrangements.

Six out of 10 workers covered by the agreement are paid between points 3 and 15 of the Scottish local government spinal column, according to UNISON. With the first of the 2.95% rises now having being implemented, these spine points are worth between £10,365 and £14,631.

This is only the second deal to be negotiated following the creation of separate Scottish bargaining machinery - but, as in England and Wales, there have been delays in implementing Single Status. Unions are hoping that the latest settlement will clear the way for progress.