UNISON members in Scotland have declared victory in a dispute with local councils after strike threats led to an improved £48 million pay offer.

The union has suspended strikes across Scotland while it consults members over a fresh offer from local authority body Cosla.

Unison had threatened to call out school cleaners, caterers, janitors, waste workers and fleet maintenance service staff for five days of strike action in councils across Scotland as part of escalating action.

The Cosla offer made today includes £30m extra funds from the Scottish government and £18.5m made available from Scottish councils.

Unison has agreed to suspend strikes and consult its members on whether to accept this offer.

Unison Scotland local government committee chairman Mark Ferguson said: “Local government needs a new deal, we need to invest in local services and those who work in local government need their value properly recognised in the years to come.”

Cosla resources spokesperson Councillor Gail Macgregor said: “Council leaders have reached an agreement today on a new and significantly improved offer that will hopefully be fully acceptable to our workforce and get the money into their pockets as soon as possible.”