BUS drivers have decided not to go on strike.

Unite members voted in a ballot which decided not to activate previous plans to strike, according to Brighton and Hove Buses.

Managing director Martin Harris said: "This is a demonstration of good faith and common sense shown by our colleagues – it is absolutely the right result.

"I am extremely pleased the recent risk of services for our customers being disrupted by industrial action has been removed.

"The work begun to improve the culture of our business will go on. We are seeking to build ever-stronger relationships with all our colleagues and their trade union representatives.

"We have made good progress in a very short space of time but we will not underestimate the need to continue to develop the way we work together as a team - for the good of our customers and our employees."

A Unite spokesman said: "Unite has been working with Brighton and Hove Buses to ensure the company addresses the management culture issues we have raised. Consequent to measures the company are putting in place our members voted by just over 50 per cent to withdraw the industrial action.

"We have advised the company that as the ballot was only just over 50 per cent there are still issues of concern for a large proportion of the workforce. Unite we will be continuing to work with the company and closely monitor the situation."

A Brighton and Hove Buses spokesman contacted The Argus on Friday [16/9] to add that 210 out of 1,196 employees voted in favour of strike action, a percentage of 17.56 per cent. She said Unite has 962 members with 475 voting.