The transfer of some jobs from Dover Harbour Board to the private sector has been delayed while talks take place "on a number of issues".

The board's announcement that it was planning to transfer 193 mooring, security and trailer-driving jobs to the private sector by February 1 resulted in members of the Unite union staging a series of strikes.

The security and associated services were transferred on January 5.

But this week, the board said there was a slight delay in the transfer date for the quayside staff to the ferry companies to April 1 to enable the final details of the transfer to be completed before the Easter holiday season and ensure a smooth handover.

Meanwhile, the board is said to be seeking 24 voluntary redundancies. There are reports that staff have received letters offering them improved redundancy terms.

A board spokesman said the discussions were confidential.