The Unite union said its craft members will benefit from increases ranging between 5.5% and up to 9.6%. The deal secures for the lowest paid craft workers the highest pay increases with their annual salaries being improved by over £2,000. The deal was overwhelmingly accepted by 83% of Unite members.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Our craft members, particularly the lowest paid, will now receive important pay increases. Unite is pleased to have delivered a deal which significantly improves our craft members’ jobs, pay and conditions across Scotland.”

The craft agreement covers tradespersons in local government and outsourced workplaces who maintain council buildings and housing. It covers a range of trades including joiners, labourers, painters and electricians.

The agreement formally comes under the scope of the Scottish Joint National Council Craft Operatives bargaining group and is separate from the wider local government employees pay agreement.

John Gillespie, chair of Unite Scotland’s construction committee, added: “Unite is pleased to have secured a significant pay deal for over 4,000 craft workers.

“Our craft members deserve decent pay levels from Cosla particularly as there is a growing gap with private sector construction workers. As we move forward towards net zero and the opportunities which retrofitting will bring, Cosla will need to dig deeper to keep these craft workers on board.”