Strikes that had been due to close hundreds of schools and leave bins unemptied across Scotland next week have been called off.

A new offer will mean a 10% pay rise for the lowest paid staff instead of the special cost of living payments this year and next.

Non-teaching school staff in 11 council areas had been due to go on strike for three days next week.

Refuse workers had also been due to begin a fresh round of strikes.

The Unison, GMB and Unite unions all said they had suspended their industrial action while they consult their members on the pay new offer, and that they were recommending the deal is accepted.

It follows an 11-hour meeting between unions and council leaders that was hosted by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Edinburgh on Thursday.

The new deal includes:

• An increase of £2,000 for those earning up to £20,500
• An increase of £1,925 for those earning between £20,500 to £39,000
• A 5% increase for those earning between £39,000 to £60,000
• A maximum increase of £3,000 for those earning above £60,000
• The removal of social care registration fees
• One extra day of annual leave

This means that early years centres and schools in Inverclyde will be open and there will be no further disruption to waste and recycling services.

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