TALKS aimed at averting a paralysing strike by thousands of Network Rail workers over the coming bank holiday are to be held at Acas, it was confirmed yesterday.

The strike was called after the rail and maritime workers’ union RMT said it has rejected the latest Network Rail (NR) pay proposals of a £500 lump sum payment as falling “well short” of what is required.

Within hours of the RMT announcing a 24-hour walkout from 5pm on Monday May 25, Acas said a meeting will be held on Monday.