Trade unions have warned of a delay in the local government pay deal - leaving workers waiting for the wage rise they fought for.

Workers across Scotland’s councils accepted an improved offer after cleansing strikes in Glasgow, Edinburgh and other local authority areas in the summer.

The eventual deal that was agreed meant a flat rate increase of more than £1900 for all workers earning less than £39,000 a year, based on a 36-hour working week.

Now some are concerned about the delay with the cost of living and energy bills rising over the winter.

The settlement was agreed last month and workers hoped to see the rise as soon as possible, but it has not yet been finalised.

Unite said in an update to members: “Unite members will be extremely disappointed and frustrated that there is no sight of the pay deal being implemented due to a funding issue between Cosla and the Scottish Government.”

It said the outstanding funding issue “appears to be a confusion on the length of term for the 36-hour pay calculation, the extra day's holiday and the SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) fees”.

They are fees paid by some social work and home care staff.

It is understood that Cosla committed to paying the SSSC fees and also proposed the extra holiday day.

GMB and Unison members also accepted the offer.

GMB said the deal was agreed by Cosla and it should be honoured.

Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland senior organiser for public services, said: "Cosla bosses are trying to leverage the cost-of-living crisis against its workforce over the delivery of agreed SSSC fees and additional annual leave elements of the recent offer. 

“They know fine well our members need the headline £1925 pay increase immediately, and that non-payment before Christmas would have profound consequences for many frontline workers. 

“Our members must get their pay increase as soon as possible to confront the soaring cost of living, but it looks like Cosla will try to make them wait longer on the payment of their professional fees and extra holiday.

“It’s shameful stuff and any credibility Cosla have left after the events of the last nine months is now hanging by a thread.” 

One worker told the Glasgow Times of their fears.

They said: “This pay dispute has now been dragging on since April and obviously as we are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. Any delay only exacerbates the crisis.

“We were due to have a backdated payment and a lot of people are depending on this money, particularly as winter and Christmas draws nearer.”

A spokesperson for Cosla said: “In the interests of Cosla’s members, and given significant financial constraints across the public sector, we are working with Scottish Government to ensure there is a shared understanding in relation to all parts of the deal.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The Scottish Government has been working with Cosla and the Scottish Social Services Council on delivery of that commitment and will be confirming the means and timeline for that aspect of the pay deal.”