ARRIVA bus drivers on Wirral and across the northwest are to balloted on an 'improved' pay offer next week that could bring the current strike action to a close.

Around 1,800 workers for the bus operator returned a 96% yes vote in favour of the industrial action that began on Wednesday, July 20. The action was in response to what union bosses had called a "pitiful" pay offer.

At the start, it was warned that the strike - which is now into its fourth week - could go on "indefinitely".

Talks aimed at resolving the dispute have broken down many times over the course of the strike.

However, during reconvened negotiations today, there were signs that progress had been made.

An Arriva statement this afternoon read: "Following re-convened pay negotiations today, Arriva has tabled an improved offer that has enabled UNITE the Union and GMB to ballot members on this offer.

"The ballot will take place on Monday, 15 and Tuesday 16 August 2022.

"All parties are working hard to bring the industrial action to a conclusion with the desire to resume service on Wednesday, August 17."