SCHOOLS in Inverclyde could be set for disruption just weeks into the new term after support staff voted for industrial action.

The local authority is one of 10 councils across Scotland to back the move, with janitors, cleaners, caterers, classroom assistants and administration workers potentially walking out next month amid a dispute over pay.

The Unite union said the escalation comes after no improved pay offer was put on the table following talks with council umbrella body Cosla.

Members in Argyll and Bute, Clackmannanshire, Western Isles, Dundee, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Fife, Glasgow, and Orkney also backed the action.

Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said: “The message for both the Scottish Government and Cosla is loud and clear.

"Thousands of our members have voted to take strike action in education and early years services because they won’t accept a real-terms pay cut.

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“Our members deserve far more than five per cent being served up by the politicians.

"We will support our members all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions in local government.”

The union is urging First Minister Humza Yousaf to directly intervene in the dispute.

Last week, support staff in the GMB Scotland union voted for strike action in a dispute over the offer of a 5.5 per cent in-year pay rise.

A Cosla spokesman said the 'strong offer' raises the local government living wage by 99p to £11.84 per hour.

He said: “The reality of the situation is that as employers, council leaders have made a strong offer to the workforce.

"A strong offer which clearly illustrates the value councils place on their workforce, and it compares well to other sectors.

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“It recognises the cost-of-living pressures on our workforce and, critically, it seeks to protect jobs and services.

“While the offer value in-year is 5.5 per cent, the average uplift on salaries going into the next financial year is seven per cent.

"Those on the Scottish local government living wage would get 9.12 per cent and those at higher grades, where councils are experiencing severe recruitment challenges, would see 6.05 per cent.

“It is an offer which recognises both the vital role of the people who deliver our essential services across councils every day and the value that we, as employers, place on them.

“Crucially, it also raises the Scottish local government living wage by 99p to £11.84 per hour and sets out a commitment to work with our trade unions to develop a road map to £15 per hour in a way that protects our workforce and services we deliver.”

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: “This is a national dispute over pay and we note the outcome of the ballot.

“We await further information about potential strike action and we will communicate that and any potential impact with staff and parents as soon as we can.”