Title

HUMAN RESOURCES

Unison warns of looming strike as it awaits pay offer

Scotland’s largest local government union has warned strike preparations could begin next week amid growing tensions over pay.

Scotland's largest local government union has warned strike preparations could begin next week amid growing tensions over pay.

Unison, along with Unite, submitted the 2024-25 pay claim for local government workers in January but the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) has yet to respond.

The unions had urged council bosses to reply as close to the 1 April implementation date as possible.

Unison Scotland's local government chair Colette Hunter said: ‘It would appear that COSLA has learned nothing from last year's pay dispute.

‘The last thing anyone wants to do is take strike action, but if COSLA continues to ignore our pay claim then we may be left with no choice.'

COSLA said council leaders would meet on Friday to consider the claim.

Unison and Unite have called for an above-inflation increase for staff on the lowest pay as part of their aim for all local government workers to receive at least £15 an hour by April 2026.

The unions also asked for a pay rise of 7% or £1.60 an hour - whichever is greater.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Sorting the finances of social care

By Owen Mapley | 30 July 2026

In light of the Prime Minister’s announcement on social care Owen Mapley says it will take public support and a sustainable financial footing if it is going ...

HUMAN RESOURCES

EXCLUSIVE: Public rebuffed over reorganisation plans

By Paul Marinko | 30 July 2026

Ministers have gone against the public’s preferred reorganisation option in the majority of areas, The MJ can reveal.

HUMAN RESOURCES

A mayor's journey shows why councils are essential partners in government

By Shabnum Mustapha | 30 July 2026

Shabnum Mustapha says Burnham’s mayoral experience highlights councils’ vital role in delivering national priorities.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Finding a permanent solution to a temporary problem

By Rebecca Davis | 30 July 2026

Using the results from a recent service set up in the West Midlands, Rebecca Davis reveals how collaborative regional recruitment can empower councils to red...

Popular articles by Ellie Ames