Recycling staff in Sheffield have agreed to suspend rolling strikes that began six weeks ago, in light of a new agreement between the GMB union and SOVA Recycling.

Twenty-three workers began a strike in May in response to decisions made by SOVA Recycling, in conjunction with Sheffield City Council and waste management partner Veolia, that reduced opening hours and cut seven jobs.

“Let’s be clear, if we hadn’t been hit with £55 million of government cuts we would never have been put in this position in the first place,” said Councillor Jack Scott, Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste and Streetscene.

The strikes resulted in the closing of five of SOVA’s household waste recycling sites and saw sites that remained open struggle to deal with lengthening queues. Neighbouring authorities also reportedly saw an increase in visitors, as drivers unsuccessfully attempted to deposit their rubbish and recycling outside of the local authority.

Earlier this week, union leaders settled on new terms and conditions with Sheffield City Council, Veolia and SOVA that included reinstating cut jobs, a new bonus programme and staff training schemes. Workers are expected to return to work on next Monday (9 July).

“We have reached an agreement with the unions which includes reviewing training and support to staff to raise skills among other things, which will ensure productivity continues”, Scott said.

The strike is notably suspended, rather than ended. The union and SOVA will remain in talks about further improvements to avoid future strikes.

“We know there are other issues which still need to be addressed”, said Scott, “but we are keeping all channels of communication open to resolve these as quickly as possible to avert any further action.”