A BUS operator has announced extra services as a driver strike goes into a second week.

More than 110 First Dorset drivers went on strike in a row over pay this week, and union Unite announced it will continue on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday next week. 

The company has operated 87 per cent of its normal service this week while drivers conducted a five-day walkout. 

Between strike days, buses will operate as per the normal timetables.

Talking about the action taking place, Marc Reddy, managing director of First Dorset, said: “We’re really sorry our customers are facing yet more disruption with a further four days of action announced.  

“This action is completely unnecessary. We’ve tabled a number of different pay offers over the past few months, all of which we consider to be fair and reasonable."

Unite regional officer Bob Lanning told the Dorset Echo earlier this week: "We are faced with an intolerable situation where twice in the last ten days the management have said that they would come to the table with an improved offer – and on both occasions they have not budged.

"This dispute is being pockmarked by the management’s bad faith and broken promises.

"As a result, we are calling four more days of strike action next week as our members are very angry at the management’s duplicity."

Customers wanting more information about services during the industrial action can also contact First Bus’s Customer Services Team, email ContactDorset@firstgroup.com or telephone 0345 6020121