Bus strikes off after pay goes up

Unite said it wanted to close the pay gap with other bus workers

Bus workers have cancelled a series of strikes planned for a West Sussex town after accepting a pay deal.

The Unite union said action planned by its 120 members on Stagecoach buses in Worthing, due to take place on Friday, was not now going ahead.

They accepted an offer of an 8.5% pay rise over two years, with part of the increase backdated to July.

"Our members have accepted this offer reluctantly due to their own financial position," said spokesman David Weeks.

"No-one can afford to lose money at this time of year and the offer accepted involved back pay of at least £400 per driver."

A second strike planned for Monday will not now take place.