High hopes as tanker talks restart

Talks aimed at averting a strike by fuel tanker drivers will resume today after “constructive” discussions were held before Easter.

Leaders of the Unite union spent two days last week meeting officials from six distribution firms to try to resolve a dispute over terms and conditions and health and safety.

Acas chief conciliator Peter Harwood said as the talks were adjourned: “The discussions have been constructive, with the parties positively engaged and committed to the process.

“We are pleased that they have agreed to continue their discussions with Acas.”

The dispute has been brewing for more than a year but flared up last month when Unite announced that workers in five firms had voted to strike.

The government advised motorists to top up with fuel, leading to chaotic scenes at garages across the country as people queued for petrol.

There was much criticism of the way the coalition government handled the prospect of a strike, and Labour led calls for the resignation of Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude for advising motorists earlier to store jerry cans of fuel in their garages.