A CONTRACTOR has withdrawn plans to de-recognise unions.

Mears said yesterday it will not change the recognition agreement with unions GMB, Unite, Ucatt and Unison.

The dispute has been ongoing since July 28. All parties will meet on September 12 to explore a long term deal.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) will adjudicate.

Mark Turner, GMB secretary, said: “Although we are very pleased to see Mears reverse their decision on de-recognition, the joint trade unions are aware that there is still a lot of work to do.

“Having ACAS involved to both facilitate and lead those discussions is a further positive step.”

A protest outside Brighton Racecourse on August 19 has been cancelled by the trades unions.