Employers today offered a 2.2% pay rise to over 1.4 million council workers, warning they were going to take a "firm but fair" line with unions seeking a much bigger increase.

Union leaders described the offer as "abysmal" and warned of "political and industrial consequences" if it was not improved.

Unison, the GMB and Unite tabled a claim for a 6% pay rise and urged the Local Government Association to "face down" Government attempts to cap public sector pay deals at 2%.

The claim is on behalf of workers including refuse collectors, librarians, cleaners, architects, planners, teaching assistants and traffic wardens in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and follows a row last year which almost led to industrial action.

Roger Phillips, vice chairman of the employers' side, said: "The key aspect of this offer is to make sure that any pay settlement is affordable to the taxpayer and councils while at the same time making sure that local government continues to be an attractive place to work.

"It must be borne in mind that if the pay settlement is set too high then local authorities will have to make unpleasant choices between cutting front line services and laying off staff, neither of which either the unions or the employers want to see.

"The employers' side will take a firm but fair line with the trade unions, that the Government has set a framework for public sector expenditure in the next few years which must be fully reflected in ensuring that pay does not rise above what is affordable and acceptable to local people."

Brian Strutton, national officer of the GMB union, said: "GMB is bitterly disappointed with this abysmal offer. The only positive thing we take is that there will be further negotiations, so this is not yet the end of the road.

"There will need to be significant improvements, particularly for the lower paid, or there will be severe political and industrial consequences."