THE GMB union have reportedly agreed to support a deal proposed by the council to end the bin strike.

Brighton and Hove City Council said it had made a "serious offer for a serious situation" to end industrial action in talks yesterday, including a "significant and generous pay offer," which would raise pay for some of the lowest paid workers on the council, as well as the Cityclean service.

The council said that GMB members have now agreed this proposal and it will now be put forward to the council for approval.

A council spokesman said: "We had positive talks yesterday and thank GMB representatives for meeting on a Sunday.

"We're pleased that the formal resolution proposal has this morning been agreed by GMB members and it will now be put forward to the council's policy and resources committee for ratification in the next few days.

"We apologise to residents, business and visitors to the city for the disruption during the last few weeks and thank you for your patience."

The news comes as a fortnight-long walk out by refuse workers comes to an end, with bin lorries spotted picking up rubbish across the city.

Had a deal not been reached, five weeks of strike action was due to begin from this Thursday.

Waste has piled up at overflowing bins across the city over the last two weeks, with the council bringing in third parties to clear up the worst of the rubbish.

A council spokesperson cited blocked pavements, vermin being attracted to rubbish and a spate of bin fires as reasons behind the need for waste disposal contractors to be brought in to clear side waste and bin storerooms.

Refuse workers began their two week walk out on October 5 in a dispute over working conditions, with ballot of GMB members held last month receiving unanimous support for strike action.

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