Prospect met Mr Mackay and the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, in May to press the case for ending the 1% pay cap for our members across Scotland.

At the meeting, Prospect received assurances that the cap would be lifted after the election.

Richard Hardy, national secretary for Prospect in Scotland, said: “It’s a positive step by the Scottish Government and is a tribute to the campaigning by members of Prospect and other public sector unions across the country.

“We’re grateful to Mr Mackay and the First Minister for delivering on their promises.

“But lifting the cap is only part of the solution,” Hardy continued. “Because of the budget and pay settlement dates, the changes Mr Mackay promised yesterday won’t start to hit our members’ pay packets until next summer.

“Our members face immediate and ongoing hardship as the 1% pay cap will still apply for this year’s pay award.

“With inflation moving towards 3% and beyond, this is unacceptable and we have been calling on ministers to find money in this year’s award to ease the problems facing our members,” he concluded.

Pay negotiations for civil and public servants across Scotland are ongoing.