It will be back to normal from 15 January. The return to work will coincide with the talks beginning

Unison official, Angela Lynes

Representatives from the union gathered in Glasgow on Friday to discuss a number of options, including the possibility of stepping up industrial action.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Newsdrive programme, Unison official Angela Lynes said there would be a full return to work on 15 January.

"The employers have made a further statement to us that gives new parameters," she said.

"Our original claim was for 5%, �500 and a minimum wage of �5 per hour.

"Quite a few of these issues are being addressed in the statement from the employers and we will be entering into talks on 15 January."

Return to work

She said Cosla had consistently stressed that it had no more money for pay increases but had apparently shifted its position.

"We now have a statement from them that may cast a different light.

"We've had about 1600 members on strike since 1 November.

Refuse services have been affected

"It will be back to normal from 15 January. The return to work will coincide with the talks beginning."

Unison's decision to call off the strike has been welcomed by Cosla vice president Pat Watters.

He said: "This will allow us to sit down with the trade union side and discuss future pay arrangements.

"The last few months have been particularly difficult for all those involved in the talks and the disruption to services has, of course, been extremely regrettable.

One day stoppages

"Today's good news means that both sides can now enter serious discussions that will take the whole issue of pay for local government staff forward and we as employers stand by our commitment to look at issues such as inflation and distribution of pay increases in future years."

The chance of a new deal came as Unison officials were set to discuss the possibility of more than 3000 council workers walking out on indefinite strike.

A series of one-day stoppages over the past six months has brought chaos to schools and public services, including rubbish collections.

Unison has rejected a 6.1% pay rise over two years by Cosla, although the two other unions representing council staff, the GMB and the TGWU, have accepted it.