Staff in line for 'distress' cash

The offer is being made to workers as part of an equal pay deal

Up to 1,000 council workers could receive payments for the psychological distress of having their job downgraded, BBC Scotland has learned.

The one-off compensation payments of at least £500 would be made to staff at Aberdeen City Council who are on "protected salaries".

It is thought Aberdeen is the only council in Scotland to make this offer to staff as part of its equal pay deal.

The offer follows a prolonged period of job re-evaluation.

Staff ballot

The changes affect almost all council employees as the authority - in line with every council in Scotland - seeks to implement a single status deal.

The city council has declined to comment on the deal as the package remains confidential until letters go out to staff later this month.

A Unison union spokesman said members would eventually be balloted about it.

Councillors backed a proposed equal pay deal for staff earlier this week after a row lasting almost a decade.