A BUS driver strike has been suspended after last-minute talks.

Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company met with the Unite union to thrash out terms to avoid industrial action.

The suspension means services across Sussex will operate as normal tomorrow (Saturday) and next Wednesday.

Drivers of Brighton and Hove Buses who are part of Unite the Union were balloted on Tuesday, November 4.

Of the 515 votes cast, 363 voted “yes” to industrial action and said they would take part.

The bus company employs more than 1,400 people, including more than 800 drivers and 100 engineers on a rota system.

The initial dispute related to a pay offer and planned changes to flexible shift patterns to a standard working week.

Martin Harris, managing director of Brighton and Hove Buses, told The Argus beforehand that he sincerely hoped an agreement could be reached.

Afterwards, he said: “We have had challenging but constructive negotiations with Unite over the past two days.

“I am delighted that we are able to advise customers that services will operate as normal this weekend and next week.

“I am optimistic that this dispute will soon be settled.”

In a statement, Unite regional officer Janet Henney said: “The additional discussions have been very difficult but also very productive.

“We believe we have now reached an offer which our members will be interested in and have therefore postponed the planned industrial action to allow our members to vote on it.”

Yesterday’s discussions have led to an improved offer for all the drivers and engineers at the company, who broadly earn £11.45 an hour on average at the moment.

Workers were offered a pay deal in July this year.

On August 13, The Argus reported that bus drivers had turned down a 2% rise and the company had improved on this with 2.15%.

This was then raised to a 2.3% increase plus an improved Sunday and Bank Holiday premium rate, taking the value of the offer to almost 2.5%, coupled with a minimum of a further 2.5% from June 2015.

That offer not only represented a pay increase but also an element to guard against inflation.

The outcome of the Unite vote based on a current improved offer, the details of which neither side would divulge, will be known by Thursday, November 20.