Industrial action in Scotland over local government pay has been scuppered after a ballot by Unison Scotland failed to reach the minimum threshold of the new Trade Union Act.

Unison Scotland had balloted members over industrial action after members rejected employers’ 1% pay offer.

Although 62.7% of members did support industrial action over the pay offer, the 22.8% turnout is well under the required turnout threshold.

The union said it would be looking to meet with COSLA to discuss the pay deal and the long-term future of pay and conditions for local government staff.

GMB Scotland has also called for urgent talks with COSLA over the ‘devastating’ 1% pay increase.

GMB Scotland senior organiser, Tony Dowling, said: ‘GMB says there can be no delay on pay. There’s no magic wand that’s going to resolve the pressures in local government so we have to get back around the table urgently with COSLA to resolve this impasse.’