Talks bid to avert Embassy strike

The three embassy workers deal with trade relations

Talks to avert a strike by British Embassy staff in Dublin are to take place later.

The walkout was threatened last week over a proposal to issue three colleagues at the Ballsbridge building with compulsory redundancy notices.

Trade union Unite put off the counting of ballot papers for industrial action to allow for further negotiations between staff and management.

Dublin is the only British embassy to recognise trade union membership.

It agreed procedures with unions in 2003 to deal with issues and disputes.

It is understood that the decision to reduce staff numbers was taken in London. Unions said this falls outside the agreed terms.

The three Irish workers, who have a total of 20 years' service between them, deal with UK trade and investment matters in Ireland.

It is believed the proposed job cuts are part of wider plans to refocus consular duties on trade and investment in emerging markets, particularly the Far East.