FRESH talks are to be held over a dispute involving bonus pay for construction workers at the new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point.

Unions expressed hopes the move will resolve the row with the Bylor consortium, led by Laing O'Rourke.

The dispute flared after members of Unite and the GMB rejected a proposed bonus.

Unite officer Jerry Swain said French energy giant EDF, in charge of the multi-billion pound project in Somerset, had intervened to help resolve the row.

"It is hoped that when fresh negotiations commence Bylor and in particular Laing O'Rourke are prepared to enter into practical discussions and a sensible bonus which meets the expectations of the workforce and ensures the project is delivered on time, can be agreed."

An EDF Energy spokesman said: “We are committed to a continuing dialogue on this issue with our contractor and trade union partners. Discussions are ongoing and our intention is to reach a mutually acceptable outcome.

“We have a strong partnership in place with the trade unions based on a set of landmark agreements that include pay and productivity. We share a commitment with them and our contract partners to provide high quality employment standards, alongside the best standard in health, safety, quality and productivity.”