Sacked workers, who staged a protest, now have their jobs back

Union chiefs have confirmed they have reached a deal with the main contractor at the project, Multiplex, after weeks of picket line protests.

A spokesman for the GMB union, also revealed talks over compensation for the employees, who have been out of work for three weeks, are ongoing.

The workers used to be employed by Darlington-based Cleveland Bridge.

A spokesman for the GMB said: "We are very pleased with the outcome of the talks and that through considered discussion the value of our employees has been recognised.

"There is a lot of anger obviously over what has happened, but now employees are looking forward to getting back to work within a couple of weeks.

Contractual dispute

"Obviously they have been out of work for three weeks so the issue of compensation needs to be discussed."

The row began more than a month ago when the 240 workers, who originally worked for County Durham firm, Cleveland Bridge, were sacked.

They were then switched to another firm, Hollandia/Fast Track, but work again ended over a further contractual dispute with Multiplex.

Multiplex, the Dutch contractor, now said it could guarantee the project would finish on time in 2006.