We're concentrating on next week's strikes, says ACAS

Following seven days of formal talks at Acas, it was not possible to break the deadlock and we felt it would be helpful to have a period of reflection during which the parties had the opportunity to consider their positions and look at fresh ideas to reach an agreement.

It was clear that an Acas meeting today would not have prevented the second day of strike action from going ahead. We are now concentrating on seeing whether next week's strike dates can be headed off. We have been in contact with the parties since the last Acas meeting.