Southern driver strikes suspended for peace talks at TUC

There is new hope for thousands of rail passengers that a deal can be made to end the crippling strikes affecting Southern Railway services.

Three days of action tabled for next week, as part of the dispute over driver-only trains, have been suspended by the drivers' union ASLEF to allow for new negotiations.

Following the breakdown of previous efforts to resolve the stand-off, it was announced that the train operator and union would get round the table on Wednesday for talks under the joint chairmanship of TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady and Andy Meadows, HR director of rail firm Abellio.

It represents a step forward following months of disruption for passengers who have endured not only strikes but also delays and cancellations from staff shortages and short trains.

In a joint statement, Ms O'Grady and Mr Meadows said they were "committed to finding a fair solution."

"So, together with our passengers and businesses, we warmly welcome their decision to suspend next week's planned industrial action," they said.

The RMT union, which has a separate dispute with Southern over the role of conductors, said it had approached the TUC to be involved in the talks and its own action, scheduled for Monday, remained on at this stage.

Charles Horton, the boss of Southern's owner, Govia Thameslink Railway, said: "We've always made clear our willingness to engage in meaningful talks with ASLEF to find a route forward to end their dispute.

Unions have placed safety at the heart of their arguments while the industry- and Government - have cited a key safety report on driver-only operations as evidence they are wrong.

:: Southern train driver plans safe if conditions are met

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told Sky News earlier this month that there was "no reason" for the strikes.

In a separate development, it has emerged that passengers who bought Southern season tickets on a credit card may have an additional avenue for compensation.

According to the Association of British Commuters, a passenger netted £2,400 from American Express - about half the cost of his annual ticket - after citing legislation under the Consumer Credit Act covering non-delivery of services.

It claimed the man, only named as Sean, had used punctuality statistics to estimate that half his journeys over 12 months had either been cancelled or delayed.