Deal reached to avert tram strike

Trams will continue to run through Christmas and New Year

A strike scheduled to hit Nottingham's trams on Christmas and New Year's Eves, has been called off.

The GMB union and tram operator NET have reached an 11th hour deal on staffing levels, security during the shifts and bonus payments.

Drivers had refused to work beyond 8pm on both nights, when other public transport stops running.

GMB members voted 77% in favour of strike action, but Martin Allen, from the union, denied "giving in".

He said: "For members that are willing to work, there has been a package put forward and hopefully we will get enough volunteers to work it."

Helen Goulding from NET said staff had been successfully reassured about health and safety.

She said: "It is the first time anyone would have worked a Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve and they were understandably nervous.

"Having given assurances regarding health and safety, they are happy to work."

Members of the GMB union had voted 77% in favour of industrial action and an earlier improved pay offer for the extra hours was rejected.