Stagecoach workers in Ayrshire have voted to accept a hard-won pay offer from bosses say the firm.

Unite the Union succesfully sealed a satisfactory pay offer from bosses for workers after strike action was threatened.

The workers, including drivers, engineering staff, administrative workers, and cleaners were set to walk out at the end of this month, potentially causing travel chaos.

However, in response to the threat of strike action, management came back to the negotiating table with an improved offer last week.

Workers voted on that offer earlier today and the outcome was that it would be accepted.

The deal covers employees in Ayr, Kilmarnock, Ardrossan, Dumfries, Stranraer and Arran.

Fiona Doherty, Managing Director for Stagecoach West Scotland, said: “We’re very proud of our team, who do a fantastic job in delivering vital transport connections for our communities.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with our local trade union representatives that represents a good deal for our employees in West Scotland, and at the same time will help to secure the long-term sustainability of the local bus network."

Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite members in Stagecoach West Scotland have accepted a significantly improved pay offer.  We’re satisfied that our members have got a fair and decent pay deal which is what we aspired to all along without the need for strike action.

"It shouldn’t have taken several pay offers to get to this point but this now brings the dispute to a close. The message is clear for workers in the bus industry. You can succeed in improving your terms and conditions at work, and you can get a fair pay rise from your employer by joining Unite.”