The public service union Unison has renewed its call for increased salaries for health service staff not included in the government's pay review deal.

Members of the organisation's Scottish council told Health Minister Susan Deacon at a conference on Saturday that the current pay offer for staff at the lowest level was "discriminatory and an insult".

More than 300 Scottish workers, including healthcare and social workers, met to express their concerns to Ms Deacon.

High on the agenda was the demand for fair pay rises for back-up staff which account for nearly half the health service.

Unison says that if pay rises at the lowest levels in the NHS are not brought in line with the offer made to nurses then its members will consider strike action.

Robert Rae, from the union, said: "We want a decent pay award, we are looking for parity with other NHS staff."

Section 28 repeal

The union was also due to give its backing to the repeal of Section 28, the law which forbids the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities.

Scottish council members were expected to approve a motion opposing the controversial law.

The union has consistently opposed Section 28 (or Section 2a in Scotland) because, it says, it legitimises intolerance, prejudice, discrimination and homophobia.

The Scottish Parliament voted overwhelmingly to repeal the law on Thursday.

Mike Kirkby, Unison's Scottish convener, said: "Unison is pleased at both the result of the vote in the Scottish Parliament and the mature debate that took place, in contrast to the hysteria being whipped up by the irresponsible media reports and tycoons who want to buy political support.

"Our members have to pick up the pieces when young people's lives have been wrecked by homophobic bullying."

Protest storm

On Thursday, MSPs backed repeal by 88 votes to 18, with three abstentions.

The debate was on a Tory motion urging that repeal should be shelved pending a full study of sex education.

The formal bill including repeal of Section 28 will be introduced later this month.

Plans for reform have created a storm of protest, with concerned parents, church leaders and others criticising proposals.

The "Keep the Clause" campaign, which was set up to lobby to maintain the status quo, is being bankrolled by millionaire businessman Brian Souter.