TANKER drivers who deliver fuel to Jet garages have started a fresh series of strikes in Stockton and other towns after peace talks failed to resolve a row over pay and conditions.

They also announced an escalation of their industrial action.

Unite had postponed a seven-day walkout by drivers at Wincanton for 24 hours to allow negotiations to be held, but there was no breakthrough in the long-running dispute.

The union announced that the walkout will now last until February 16, seven days longer than planned, and warned that the action will put intense pressure on petrol supplies to Jet garages.

Unite national officer Matt Draper said: “We offered a number of concessions. It is a shame that our commitment to the workforce was not shared by the employer.

“Wincanton’s failure to offer these highly-skilled drivers even a modicum of job stability has left the union with no option but to resume strike action.

“Wincanton need to recognise the strength of feeling and start talking seriously about a fair solution.”

Picket lines were mounted at Immingham, Kingsbury and Stockton.