UNION bosses have agreed to talks with Merseyrail in a bid to resolve the ongoing dispute over guards roles on driver-only trains.

Merseyrail confirmed the independent conciliation talks between the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) chaired by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) will begin on Thursday, April 5.

These talks were recommended by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram after demanding an outcome to the long-running dispute.

The dispute between RMT and Merseyrail relates to a new fleet of driver-only trains that will replace the current 40-year-old rolling stock in 2020 which RMT say will threaten the security of guards jobs on trains.

Merseyrail's human resources director Jane English said: "It’s early days yet in the process but I am pleased that the RMT has taken this first step in endorsing independent conciliation as a means to getting an end to this dispute.

"On behalf of guards and the public and after several months since the original recommendation of independent conciliation I am pleased that the RMT has now taken up the offer, where all options will be considered to achieve a resolution to this dispute.

"We now look forward to working at getting a suitable agreement."

Last month, the RMT said that it had proposed terms for discussion at the talks and believed Merseyrail had 'thought' of the possibility of having a second member of staff on the new trains.

However Merseyrail said they had set out no preconditions ahead of the talks.

Speaking at the end of March, RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "RMT welcomes for the very first time in this dispute, Merseyrail’s acceptance yesterday of the possibility of having a second member of staff on all of the new trains to be introduced.

"Previously, not having that as even an option on the table had frustratingly led to an impasse in this dispute, and had prevented RMT from entering into talks.

"RMT has agreed to a proposed 'Terms of Reference', hammered out with a senior regional ACAS official last night – and will attend talks on that basis – with a positive approach to reaching a settlement in line with the wishes of the Merseyside travelling public and council tax payers.

"We call on the City Region leaders to allow Merseyrail Electrics Ltd a free hand in these negotiations, and be willing to stand by and support any amendments required to their current proposals.”