Members of the Unite union in Aberdeen have agreed to cancel further planned bus strikes in the city.

A series of two hour stoppages were due to be staged as part of an ongoing dispute with First Bus management over pay. 

However, following an agreement, bus services will return to normal from Sunday.

At a meeting on Friday evening, First Bus bosses and Unite union leaders staged further talks and agreed that full negotiations regarding a pay deal for the current financial year will now take place over the next few weeks.

In the meantime, all industrial action has been suspended, including a two hour stoppage which was due to take place on Tuesday.

Bob Dorr, Managing Director of First in Aberdeen, said: "Significant progress has been made today and we are very pleased the union has recognised this and called off the strike action planned for next week as well as the overtime ban and work to rule.

“I'm sure this will be welcomed by the thousands of passengers who would have been affected. Both First and UNITE have shown a genuine commitment to finding a solution to this dispute and we hope this is the start of a renewed and productive way of working together."

Tommy Campbell, Unite Regional Industrial organiser said: "Our union members have been briefed on the outcome of the discussions between their union and the company. They are happy to allow full negotiations to commence and, as an act of good faith, they have agreed to suspend the planned strikes, overtime ban and the work to rule.

“We are hoping that, in a few weeks' time, these negotiations will lead to a pay offer that our members may find acceptable thus leading to a resolution of this trades dispute."