PLANNED strike action by train drivers on Southern Rail remains suspended following “constructive” talks.

Aslef members met with Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling in a bid to re-start negotiations between the company and the union.

Aslef called off strikes on Southern Rail on August 1,2 and 4 and lifted a ban on overtime and rest day working which had been called after drivers voted to reject a pay offer.

Mr Grayling said: “We’re doing everything we can to resolve the situation on Southern and get passengers the high quality rail services that they deserve.

“I was pleased to have a constructive meeting with Aslef today.

“I hope it paves the way for the reopening of negotiations between the union and Southern so we can sort out this situation and get services back to normal for passengers.”

Aslef and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) are also embroiled in a long-running dispute over staffing and the introduction of driver-only trains on the firm’s network.

The RMT has also suspended upcoming industrial action so talks can take place.

The union’s national executive committee has asked for an update on the progress of these talks by August 1.

MPs in Sussex have been also been working to get all those involved together in a bid to get the issue solved.

The dispute between unions and the company has now been running for more than a year.