The three-year pay offer follows a ballot for industrial action launched in December by the FDA trade union, which claims that lawyers working for the Crown Office are paid less than their Scottish government counterparts.

The FDA will now ballot its members on whether to accept the offer, which includes a job evaluation and restructuring exercise, The Herald reports.

Allan Sampson, FDA national officer, said: “The FDA is delighted to reach an agreement with COPFS on proposals for addressing our long-running pay dispute.

“The unfair gap between the pay of prosecutors and other lawyers in the public sector creates risks in relation to recruitment, retention and, ultimately, the administration of justice in Scotland.

“This offer, subject to the agreement of our members, will avert the need for very damaging industrial action. As well as delivering a pay rise to COPFS staff now, it also commits to pay parity for the future, a key demand of our campaign.

“There remains much work to do, but with the funding and agreement in place, the FDA looks forward to working with COPFS to confirm a pay system which is fit for purpose, appropriately rewarding all staff.”

A spokesperson for the Crown Office added: “Scotland’s prosecution service values its people and the vital contribution they make to keeping our communities safe from crime.

“Following constructive engagement between the Scottish government, trade unions and COPFS, the Scottish government has now committed additional funding to address pay parity concerns.”