SERCO have denied that agency workers have been brought in to cover for parking wardens taking industrial action, despite claims from Unite the Union.

This means that there will be no parking officers enforcing parking restrictions in the Borough, throughout the duration of the strike which is due to last until July 14.

Unite the Union had originally claimed that agency staff have been brought in to enforce parking restrictions while Serco's Ealing staff are striking.

The industrial action is being taken over offers of severance to union member parking wardens, and Serco's refusal to negotiate a new absence policy, Unite says.

'Some progress' has been made in talks with Serco, a union spokesperson said, but 'there are still outstanding issues'.

"Some policy changes are still needed.

"Until that, strikes continue."

A Serco spokesperson however countered that saying: "We are disappointed by Unite's decision to continue with strike action despite agreeing to mediation talks with Acas.

"It is not correct to claim agency workers have been brought in to cover for striking workers.

"All Serco's employees are covered by the same sickness procedures and policies to ensure consistency and fair treatment across the business."

Ealing Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the dispute is between Serco and its workers.

Peter Mason, the leader of Ealing Council, said: "Ensuring workers are treated fairly remains a commitment for the council.

"We hope this can be resolved amicably via Acas and are monitoring closely while working to secure a resolution on this issue as a matter of priority.

"I look forward to meeting civil enforcement officers soon to understand more the impact of COVID, lockdown and industrial action has had on them."

Unite regional officer Clare Keogh said at the beginning of the strike: "The parking free for all in Ealing over the next two weeks is entirely Serco's fault.

"It is to be hoped that during the Acas talks, Serco will table proposals that our members can agree to and this dispute can be brought to a close.

"As a Labour council, Ealing council should be condemning Serco's union-busting tactics and pressuring them to stop.

"If Serco refuse, then the council should follow Labour policy and bring the civil enforcement contract back in-house."