SNP Leader John Mason pointed out at the meeting that Cllr Purcell had promised no one would lose pay. However, the key demand of the unions appears to be on this very point. Therefore, it seems clear that the staff do not trust Steven Purcell's word. Cllr Mason said afterwards, "This whole scenario brings Steven Purcell's credibility into serious question. He has given specific commitments about no pay cuts and he is obviously not being believed. I have always been sceptical as to whether he could or would deliver these promises. But now the staff have made it clear they do not believe him.

I'm afraid this is the danger of all the Labour spin we have been subjected to in recent months and years. If our papers are always filled with smiling Labour councillors telling us everything is wonderful, eventually the public stop believing it. Now whether Cllr Purcell is making a genuine promise it or not, it is almost academic because he is no longer being trusted."