Train driver pay rise: Tories accuse Labour of ‘caving in’ with offer of 15%

Two years of rail strikes appeared to be nearing their end after ministers offered drivers a 15 per cent pay rise to settle the dispute.

Union bosses said the offer had “no strings” and have recommended the deal to members in a move that raises hopes for resolving strikes that have caused months of misery for commuters.

Ministers argue that a rise worth thousands of pounds to the average driver is a price worth paying for resolving industrial disputes that have cost hundreds of millions of pounds.

However, the Conservatives accused the government of “caving in” to the unions. Two weeks ago, Labour announced a deal with junior doctors for a 22 per cent pay increase to end their disruptive industrial action.

Louise Haigh, the