The dispute among ambulance workers has lasted several weeks

Union officials are recommending their members accept the latest offer on pay and conditions - after apparently accepting there is no more money available.

But they say they will not be able to consult all their members until Thursday, meaning industrial action will continue until then.

Industrial action started in February, when ambulance crews began working to rule.

Last deal rejected

The last offer made to workers was an average pay rise of 4.2% and two extra days off each year for staff with more than ten years' service.

This was rejected by members of the union Unison on 21 March.

Sussex Ambulance management and union leaders met twice more last week in a bid to iron out their differences, a move seen as suggesting both sides are keen for the dispute to end.

But management now say they have agreed to look at the ways crews work, specifically in connection to the way they base themselves at staging posts.

These are strategic positions around Sussex away from ambulance stations but close to known accident spots, allowing crews to reach such spots quickly when accidents do occur.

Management efforts discussed

The work to rule has seen crews refuse to base themselves anywhere but ambulance stations.

They have also stopped recording call-out times and provided limited cover for neighbouring stations.

Union leaders met on Monday evening to discuss whether management were doing enough to warrant calling off the industrial action.

The meeting ended with them recommending the latest offer is accepted.