Scottish Government identifies 'additional funding' in bid to avert bin strikes

The Scottish Government has said it has found “additional funding” that could potentially avert strike action by cleansing workers next week.

Waste workers from 26 local authorities are due to take part in the action from August 14 after previously rejecting a 3.2% pay offer, which they said failed to match the escalating cost of living.

Unions have warned that strikes will only be suspended if a “fair and credible” offer is tabled.

The latest offer is expected to be put forward by local authority body COSLA on Friday after council leaders meet to discuss the local government pay dispute.

Shona Robison, cabinet secretary for finance and local government, described the revised “envelope” as representing the “absolute limit of affordability”.

Ms Robison said: “We absolutely recognise the importance of supporting meaningful dialogue to reach a fair pay deal and avoid industrial action.

“That is why I asked my officials to work at pace with local government officers to understand what an improved negotiating envelope may look like.

“All parties, including COSLA, trade union leaders and political group leaders have engaged constructively with that process.

“Against an extremely challenging financial landscape, the Scottish Government has identified additional funding to support COSLA to make a strong offer.

“The enhanced envelope represents the absolute limit of affordability and has required difficult decision making.

“I hope Scotland’s council leaders can agree a way forward when they meet that will help to avert strike action starting next week, with a revised offer being made to local government union members and accepted as soon as possible.”

Unions previously warned that the strikes would mean bins are not emptied “from the smallest villages to the biggest cities” including in Edinburgh where the festival period is already underway.

COSLA has been contacted for comment.