Public sector union Unison has welcomed the final part of a pay deal for thousands of low-paid workers north of the border but has also warned against complacency.

The last annual settlement of 4% is due later this year as part of a four-year pay deal which ended a local government pay dispute in 2001.

The dispute included refuse collectors, school workers and district court staff and involved a series of one-day and indefinite selective action.

Unions and employers eventually agreed a series of inflation-plus pay awards averaging 14.1% for 2000-2004.

Whilst this was a good deal we cannot be complacent Joe Di Paola, Unison

Joe Di Paola, Unison's Scottish organiser for local government, said the deal was good news for workers.

He said: "As the years have moved on, it has become clearer what a very good deal Unison members won in 2001.

"They took the first step to tackle low pay in local services with last year's �500 rise.

"That took the lowest wage above �5 per hour for the first time, and now the final piece of the jigsaw is due to fit into place."

Staff shortage

The 4% rate from April will take the lowest paid of Scotland's local service providers above �10,000 a year, and above �5.20 an hour for the first time.

Mr Di Paola added: "Whilst this was a good deal we cannot be complacent.

"We are only too aware of the problems that local councils are having attracting staff in many services.

"Fair and attractive pay can play its part in delivering the resources needed to provide the service that Scotland deserves."