Talks to prevent a walkout by staff at the British embassy in Dublin in a row over job cuts will take place today.
Workers were balloted over the past week, and union officials at Unite said they had put off counting ballot papers to allow for negotiations. Both sides have been involved in unofficial contacts in the past few days.
It is understood Unite officials and embassy management have only agreed the basis for talks and no proposals or deadlines for a resolution have been tabled.The union claimed three senior Irish workers were warned they would be issued with compulsory redundancy notices early in the New Year.The three had dealt with UK trade and investment matters in Ireland, and between them they have 20 years service at the embassy.It is understood the proposed job cuts are part of wider plans to restructure consular duties, with more focus on trade and investment in emerging markets, particularly the Far East.