More than 4,000 council staff would see their wages increase

It is part of "single status" negotiations with Dumfries and Galloway Council to address equal pay issues.

Unison, T&G and GMB union representatives have reached the agreement which has still to go through a full ballot of trade union members.

If the move goes ahead about 65% of the 6,500 staff involved would see their salaries increased.

About 19% of the workers would see their pay unchanged with the remaining 16% put in a "protected" group.

They have been evaluated as at a lower value than their current wages.

Pay legislation

Their pay would be protected at its current level for three years.

A union briefing statement said: "There are a number of key stages to go through before Unison and other trade union members are balloted on proposals."

The unions have submitted the proposals to their legal sections to ensure they meet the requirements of equal pay legislation.

All staff involved will be notified of the agreement over the next fortnight and subsequently informed of their new pay grading.