Strikes planned at the Port of Dover this week have been called off while talks continue.

Representatives from the Unite union and officials from Dover Harbour Board met for talks aimed at resolving the dispute on Thursday and Friday, and are due to meet again today.

Union members had said they would walk out today, Wednesday and Friday.

But the union has called off this week's proposed industrial action over the transfer of 190 port workers' jobs to the private sector.

Security, mooring and trailer-handling are affected by the transfer which is due to take place in the New Year.

Port boss Bob Goldfield has said that the decision to privatise the jobs is not open to negotiation, but terms and conditions are.

The union has staged two stoppages so far, but the harbour board has used other staff, including managers, to carry out their work and there have been no delays to traffic or shipping.

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