Union confirms dates for bin strikes across Scotland

Overflowing bins and rubbish littering streets became a common sight before a pay agreement was eventually reached.

Ms Robison said meetings with union leaders and Cosla had been “productive” but no deal had yet been agreed.

She added the Scottish government was in “turbulent financial waters” following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ statement on Monday.

Ms Robison added: “What is particularly worrying is that in her statement the Chancellor announced she is not fully funding the public sector pay deals she has accepted. Instead, cuts are being demanded across most of Whitehall.

“That means that we will not receive full Barnett consequentials from these pay deals.”

“It is amid this extremely challenging landscape then, that I have asked my officials to work at pace with local government officers to understand what an improved negotiating envelope may look like.”