UNION bosses and Merseyrail will meet again for talks in the next week in a bid to resolve the ongoing dispute over guards roles on driver-only trains.

In a joint statement released by the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) it was revealed that both the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) and Merseyrail agreed to work together to ‘identify, explore and assess’ options to determine a solution following initial talks on Thursday.

The dispute between RMT and Merseyrail relates to a new fleet of driver-only trains that will replace the current 40-year-old rolling stock in 2020 which RMT say will threaten the security of guards jobs on trains.

The ACAS statement read: “Following twelve hours of constructive talks held under the auspices of the conciliation service, ACAS, Merseyrail have acknowledged RMT’s clear position that the only way that this industrial dispute will be resolved is by having a second safety critical person on every train.

“Based on this, both parties have agreed to work together to identify, explore and assess a range of options to determine their affordability and value for money.

“Merseyrail and RMT have agreed to re-convene talks with ACAS within the next seven days and that while these talks continue, they will remain confidential as part of the process.”

The talks were first recommended by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram who demanded an outcome to the long-running dispute.

Merseyrail’s managing director Andy Heath said: “I am pleased at the positive progress that has been made in the discussions with the RMT with the aim of resolving the current industrial dispute.

“We have jointly agreed a statement with the RMT through ACAS which outlines the current position and we look forward to further talks over the next few weeks.”