NO-HEADLINE

The leader of British Airways' pilots yesterday insisted management must indicate their readiness to make a new pay offer before talks can be held to avert what could be an indefinite strike. Chris Darke said BA had called for negotiations in the past, but had refused to make any concessions over the 3.6 per cent pay package.

Managers said they were ready for talks, but insisted that the union's demands were unclear. The union is due next week to announce the starting date for industrial action. Meanwhile, representatives of 140,000 postal workers will today warn the Royal Mail that industrial action will be stepped up unless management makes significant concessions over their demands for productivity improvements. Barrie Clement