Hopes rise in BA pay strike row

Hopes of a breakthrough in the British Airways pay dispute rose today following a fresh round of talks aimed at averting a crippling strike over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Union leaders were involved in detailed negotiations with airline managers which looked set to continue well into the evening.

Ed Blisset, the chief negotiator of the GMB union, said he was “more hopeful” of reaching a deal.

He hinted that there could be changes to a pay offer tabled by the company which has already been rejected by unions.

BA has offered a pay rise of 8.5% over three years plus an extra £1,000 provided sickness absence levels are halved.