Ayrshire's council waste and recycling workers have moved a step closer to going out on strike after two unions rejected a new pay offer from local government bosses.

And it could see the county's waste piling high in the streets within weeks.

Unison, the biggest union representing the workers, rejected the improved pay offer on Friday, July 18, with Unite staff voting against the deal on July 22.

That just leaves staff at third trade union the GMB to make a final decision on the new deal, which was described by local government body Cosla as "strong, fair and credible".

Unison said that in cash terms, Cosla’s revised one-year offer of 3.2 per cent was no better than what was already on the table.

They said waste, recycling and street cleaners in 13 councils in Scotland had voted to strike, and they will be balloting 38,000 school, early years and family centre staff next week.

Members of the Unite union have already backed strike action in all three Ayrshire council areas, while members of UNISON and the GMB have voted in favour of industrial action in East Ayrshire only.

Unison Scotland local government lead David O'Connor said: “Cosla’s revised offer puts absolutely no more money on the table. They have not moved one iota since we advised them that we are preparing for strikes.

"We told them local government staff are looking for a pay deal that addresses a cost-of-living crisis and that the value of their pay has dropped 25 per cent over the past 14 years.”

Unite said the new pay offer "grossly undervalued" Scottish council workers in contrast with the offer made to UK counterparts.

Unite's general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Cosla has taken months to put a new offer to our local government membership, and it’s one that does absolutely nothing to address more than a decade of deep cuts to pay and services.

“Unless Cosla and the Scottish government move quickly to make an acceptable offer, then mountains of rubbish will pile up across the nation’s streets.

"The politicians have a choice, and one more chance, to resolve this pay dispute before strike action.”