Bus chiefs and unions were locked in last-ditch talks today after they failed to agree a nationwide £500 package deal for drivers as compensation for putting the clocks back an hour this weekend.
A Unite spokesman insisted that the effect of suddenly losing an hour caused significant damage to a bus driver's body clock. Deep psychological damage which couldn't be offset by enjoying an extra hour in bed. “Our members typically take a full week to recover,” argued chief negotiator Jimmy McDonald.
In a simultaneous dispute, Unite is demanding another £500 deal for allowing the clocks to go forward again next spring. “Reversing the damage caused putting the clocks back by suddenly putting them back forwards is equally unhealthy,” explained McDonald.