5 October 2012 Last updated at 08:58 ET

Sheffield recycling workers dispute called off

A dispute with workers at recycling centres in Sheffield has been called off by the union, the GMB has confirmed.

Spokesman Pete Davies said industrial action over hours and pay had been resolved to focus on Sova Recycling's future contracts.

The opening hours of five centres in the city would remain unchanged, he added.

Nobody from Sova was available to comment.

Mr Davies said there was a "good possibility" that working hours could improve if Sova was awarded a contract, which is due to be agreed next week.

The union said the dispute, which involved 36 workers over a 10% reduction in hours, could see an increase of 160 hours across the workforce if a contract between Sova and Sheffield City Council was agreed.

He added: "If there is an opportunity to bring more work in through contracting with their partners, we need to support that."

Previously, the council said the cut in opening hours at its five recycling facilities, managed by Sova, was due to "massive cuts" in government funding.

Members of the union have carried out a number of strikes over the past few months.