A THREE-WEEK strike by hundreds of social care workers in Glasgow has ended following an agreement between the local authority and trade union representatives.

Unison, which represents the striking staff, has declared victory in the battle over job gradings and evaluation but city council sources have claimed the deal is not as good as one previously on the table.

More than 550 social care workers have been on strike since July 24, angry about the results of a job evaluation which they say did not reflect the responsibilities of the job they carry out.

Talks between the union and the council yesterday resulted in a new offer from the authority, which was put to a meeting of strikers.

The social care staff voted to accept the new offer, which gives all but a handful of workers the grading they sought.

However, it has been claimed that the new grades do not secure automatic promotion, which was part of a previous package put in front of Unison last week.

All those on industrial action will return to work on Monday.

Mike Kirby, Unison Glasgow branch convener, said: "The solidarity of the members on strike was instrumental in delivering the key objective they sought. They have a right to be satisfied with the outcome of their action.

"The new offer delivers the grade five that our members felt best reflected the responsibilities they carry out.

"The proposal also leaves open the details on how people will progress beyond the initial salary, and this will be the subject of negotiation."

A city council spokesman said: "We are pleased that Unison has accepted this offer. This is an agreement which could have been reached by negotiations without anyone having to lose three weeks' pay."