Judge acts to prevent strike by port workers

A High Court judge today granted an injunction preventing a two-day strike - due to start tomorrow - by workers at one of Britain's busiest ports.

Mr Justice Sweeney, sitting in London, granted the order to Milford Haven Port Authority in Pembrokeshire, Wales, against the union Unite.

The authority went to court yesterday seeking the injunction to stop a walkout by pilots and launch crews.

Giving his ruling today, Mr Justice Sweeney said that the "balance of convenience" favoured the port authority.

He found that notices of industrial action which had been issued by the union did not comply properly with the relevant legislation.

Staff were planning to strike tomorrow and Friday in a dispute over pensions.

Talks between both sides and the conciliation service Acas have been under way for more than two weeks.

Authority chief executive Ted Sangster has said a strike could damage the reputation of Britain's sixth biggest port, which handles 25% of the UK's petrol and diesel.