Scottish Water has announced a number of contingency plans to protect essential services ahead of planned industrial action by trade unions.

A senior management team is looking at all areas of Scottish Water activity that may be impacted by strikes.

Scottish Water Chief Operating Officer Peter Farrer said: "We will do all we can to ensure customers do not experience any disruption to their water supplies and that treatment of the country’s waste water continues as usual, despite the industrial action.

-- Advertisement --

"A reliable water source is vital for everyone. Maintaining public health and protecting the environment are our priorities and it is the responsible course of action for us to have contingency plans ready.

"We are dismayed the unions have taken this course of action over what is an exceptional proposal for our people.

"Scottish Water remains committed to reaching an agreement with our unions that avoids industrial action. This has been the case throughout the negotiations over the proposal to modernise a 21-year-old pay and grading structure and provide employees with an in-year award of at least 8% for all."

Customer Service General Manager Kevin Roy added: "It is essential we can continue to provide customers with the high standard of service they have come to expect from Scottish Water. We are scoping in detail how our vast range of activities might be impacted by this action and putting measures in place to minimise any disruption."