Southern and RMT bosses set for talks in bid to avert strike

Talks to avert another Southern rail strike are to be held next week in a bid to avoid more commuter misery.

The talks between members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and Southern officials will be held at Acas next week.

Both parties had called for Acas to facilitate talks after expressing a willingness to negotiate.

The RMT is embroiled in a long-running dispute with Southern which has led to strikes, with a five-day walkout planned to start on August 8.