A deal has been struck that could end the pay dispute between ScotRail and its train drivers.

Aslef, the union representing the drivers, agreed a 5% pay deal after negotiations with the rail provider’s management.

It had previously rejected a 4.2% pay offer and threatened strike action.

The dispute has seen ScotRail introduce a greatly reduced timetable after drivers refused to work on their rest days.

The union said it would recommend members accept the offer.

ScotRail, which was nationalised by the Scottish government in April, welcomed the progress made in the talks, saying the offer “delivers good value for the public”.

The operator has separately warned that UK-wide action planned by the RMT union could wipe out train services in Scotland on three days later this month.

The Aslef dispute has led to a reduced timetable since last month, with almost 700 fewer train services a day on weekdays.

A temporary, scaled-back Sunday timetable was also introduced last weekend following several weeks of severe disruption.

The agreed pay rise is made up of a 2.2% increase to recognise the cost of living challenges – funded by Transport Scotland – and a 2.8% rise funded by ScotRail to recognise the “flexibility of rostering arrangements” after the pandemic.

Basic pay for experienced drivers would increase by more than £2,600, taking the salary to £55,264. A similar offer on pay has also been made to the RMT.

ScotRail’s new offer also includes:

• An excess revenue share premium, worth up to £2,535 for every member of staff
• An increase in rest-day working payments to £400 until March 2023
• No compulsory redundancies for five years
• A commitment to bring Sundays into the working week within five years
• Sunday working allowance (SWA) increased by 10%
• Improvement in maternity and adoption leave payments