Bus drivers to strike over pay offer

Bus services were hit today when drivers staged a 24-hour strike in protest at a 2.25 per cent pay offer.

Unite said school buses, community transport and other services were disrupted when members working for CT Plus in east London walked out at 4am.

Peter Kavanagh of Unite said: "At first glance, 2.25 per cent in today's economy may not seem a bad deal, but it looks very different to our members, who are on low wages to begin with, and are fed-up struggling to get by."

A Transport for London spokesman said: "Bus drivers are employed by private bus companies and, as such, pay and conditions are set by them.

"We are disappointed that Unite and HCT Group have failed to resolve their differences and regret any disruption caused to Londoners as a result. We would urge both parties to talk to resolve this issue as quickly as possible."