Tanker drivers to decide on deal

Leaders of fuel tanker drivers look set to reject a deal aimed at averting strikes.

Representatives of tanker drivers have been discussing whether to accept or reject peace proposals

Around 60 representatives of drivers at seven haulage firms have been discussing proposals drawn up during six days of negotiations at the conciliation service Acas.

The talks ended last Friday but neither the employers nor the Unite union were releasing any details of the discussions before Wednesday's meeting.

The dispute is over a series of issues including terms and conditions, pensions and health and safety and flared up last month after Unite announced that drivers in five companies had backed strikes.

The Government advised motorists to top up their cars with petrol and to store fuel in jerry cans, leading to panic buying and shortages of supplies.

There were chaotic scenes at garages as long queues built up, leading to criticism of the Government for the way they had handled the dispute.

A deadline for calling industrial action has been extended to this Friday, and Unite would have to give seven days notice of any industrial action.

There was speculation that the union representatives are not entirely happy with the proposals and will vote to reject them.

It is likely that Unite will seek more talks with the employers, probably including Acas, before naming any strike dates.