THE first two days of the latest Ealing parking officers' strike have been suspended, as hopes of a deal to end the dispute have increased.

Last month saw a two-week strike, as part of an ongoing dispute between Unite the Union and Serco which started in May, over severance agreements which Unite claim attempt to 'undermine collective consultation', as well as Serco's alleged refusal to negotiate on their absence policy.

The latest two-week period of strikes was due to begin today (August 2), but the first two days have now been suspended.

This follows recent successful talks at conciliation service, Acas.

According to Unite, the suspension of the first two days of industrial action is to secure a written agreement with Serco on bullying and harassment, as well as a formal agreement that the company's absence policy is only used as an 'absolute last resort' to dismiss a worker.

If an agreement can't be reached, then the strike will go ahead as planned from August 4 until August 15.

Unite regional officer Clare Keogh said: "Talks at Acas were highly productive and therefore Unite has agreed to suspend the first two days of strike action.

"Unite is hopeful that this will create a window where the union and Serco can hammer out the final details of a deal to finally end this dispute.

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"However, if this proves to be impossible then sadly strikes will begin again from Wednesday which will create fresh disruption to Ealing's residents."