BUS drivers at Stagecoach West of Scotland have suspended strike action after the company tabled a new offer, their union Unite said today.

Workers had begun what was scheduled to be a six week all-out strike on June 9, after the employer failed to improve on an “unacceptable” 4 per cent offer rejected back in November.

Now, after little more than a week of strike action which has all but closed depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan and Kilmarnock, Stagecoach has returned to the table with an improved offer.

Unite industrial officer Siobhan McCready said: “Unite’s members at Stagecoach West Scotland have fought hard to get an improved pay offer on the table.

“Strike action has now been suspended as an act of good faith while members are balloted on the new offer.”

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: “Following further discussions between Stagecoach West Scotland and Unite the Union, all drivers have been advised to return to work at our Ayrshire depots on Wednesday 18 June.

“A ballot will take place on Friday June 20 on a deal which has been recommended for acceptance by Unite the Union.”