THURROCK Council has called on angry members of its staff to return to the negotiating table in a row over pay and conditions.

As reported on Thurrock Nub News yesterday (Wednesday, 26 August), members of the council's environmental services team are undertaking a ballot on industrial action.

Members of the GMB union who work as caretakers at council buildings say the authority has reneged on an agreement made earlier this year.

A non-attributed statement from Thurrock Council issued today to Thurrock Nub News says: "We have invited GMB officials to speak with us so we can seek a constructive way forward which balances the interests of employees, service users, and the Council and avoids unnecessary and disruptive strike action, which will affect residents and council tenants.

"No final decisions have been made about these roles.

"We will continue to keep staff informed throughout and If any proposals come forward that effect employees' terms and conditions, they will be subject to appropriate consultation and engagement processes.

"We urge union officials to take us up on the offer to meet with us and discuss these matters, so that this can be resolved amicably without the need for disruptive and costly industrial action."