Rail workers accept deal to end their long-running dispute over pay and conditions

Rail workers have voted to accept a deal to end their long-running dispute over pay and conditions.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union have agreed to an offer from train companies for a backdated pay rise and job security guarantees.

It follows a bitter 18-month row with train companies and the government, resulting in regular strike action which has caused chaos for passengers.

General secretary Mick Lynch said: "Our members have spoken in huge numbers to accept this offer and I want to congratulate them on their steadfastness in this long industrial campaign.

"We will be negotiating further with the train operators over reforms they want to see. And we will never shy away from vigorously defending our members terms and conditions, now or in the future.

"This campaign shows that sustained strike action and unity gets results and our members should be proud of the role they have played in securing this deal."

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said it was "welcome news for passengers" and gives "workers a pay rise before Christmas and a pathway to delivering long overdue reforms".

However he hit out at the train drivers union ASLEF, who are still involved in industrial action.

Mr Harper said: "It remains the case that the train drivers' union ASLEF continue to block their members from having a say on the offer that would take train drivers' median salaries from £60,000 to £65,000 for a 35-hour, 4-day week - ASLEF should follow the RMT's lead and give their members a say."

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.