COUNCIL workers across Scotland are preparing to move to a new pension scheme after a deal was reached between unions and employers.

Public services union Unison said 94% of members backed the proposals in a ballot paving the way for an agreement with council umbrella body Cosla.

Dave Watson, Scottish organiser at Unison, said trade unions regarded the reform of the Scottish local government pension scheme as an "unnecessary interference", but said the impact of the changes had been minimised.

He said: "The main aim was to protect and improve pension benefits for the majority of members without increasing contributions. Such an increase would simply drive members away from pension provision at a time of pay cuts and other economic pressure.

"We hope the new scheme will attract new members, particularly women and those at the lower end of the pay scale who are most likely to suffer by not having a secure pension in retirement."

Kevin Keenan, Cosla's finance spokesman, said: "The positive ballot result from the trade union side is a welcome confirmation that the new scheme design is a positive change and reflects a very constructive approach between all parties."

The biggest change will see council employees them move from a final salary pension to a career average scheme. The existing ill health and death in service benefits are retained.

Another feature ensures co-habiting partners and civil partners will get equality in partner pensions with married couples. Scotland's councils employ more than 280,000 between them.