Talks to end council worker strikes which have seen rubbish pile up in the streets of two thirds of Scottish local authorities are continuing amid warnings over the impact on public health.

Bosses at Public Health Scotland have told councils that the “decontamination of public areas where bins have overflowed may be required”.

It comes as the organisation warned that “if organic waste builds up it can become a risk to human health”.

Unison and GMB members in 20 local authorities began the first of two four-day strikes on August 26.

They joined workers represented by Unite who began a week-long strike in 14 councils on Wednesday.

People are being advised to double bag items such as food waste and used nappies or put them in containers.

Public Health Scotland said the spread of strike action by council workers – sparked by a dispute over pay – may result in “more widespread waste accumulation”.

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