Two large sections of the M25 closed causing major delays ahead of rush hour

Tram staff in Edinburgh have celebrated a win over lack of comfort breaks after threatening with a strike.

The tram has become a part and parcel of travel in the Scottish capital since it opened a decade ago. It runs between New Town in the city centre and Edinburgh Airport.

But now the trade union Unite has said staff were prevented from taking toilet breaks.

This was because of late running times on services between the airport and Newhaven, stopping workers from taking comfort breaks, United said.

Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said the dispute was ‘over basic dignity at work.’

She continued: ‘While we are pleased that this dispute is settled, it should not have taken the threat of industrial action to result in a U-turn by Edinburgh Trams.

‘Being treated with dignity and respect is a human right, not a benefit that employers can withdraw on a whim.’

Unite members include drivers, ticket service assistants, controllers and vehicle maintenance workers, so a strike could have paralysed the network.

An Edinburgh Trams spokesman told Metro: ‘Throughout this dispute we have been fully committed to the wellbeing of colleagues and worked closely with them to address their concerns and find a mutually acceptable solution. We are pleased this has now been achieved.’