STRIKES which would close schools in Inverclyde have moved a step closer after a new pay deal was turned down.

Unison Scotland’s local government committee voted unanimously to reject a revised pay offer from Cosla for non-teaching staff.

The union says that unless a significantly improved one is received by 5pm on September 20 then the strikes planned for September 26, 27 and 28 will go ahead.

It says the new deal amounted to an increase of 0.17 per cent on the previous offer.

UNISON Scotland head of local government, Johanna Baxter, said: “It is deeply disappointing that it has taken COSLA five months since our members rejected the initial offer to present such insignificant changes.

"We have made very clear that COSLA must put forward a significantly improved offer to avert mass school strikes."