A BITTER two-year dispute resulting in a series of strikes by ambulance staff has ended.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and the Unite union, representing paramedics, have issued a joint statement saying they are committed to working together and confirming that the ambulance service has re-recognised the union to negotiate on behalf of their members.

Unite represents about 400 of the authority’s 4,600 staff.

The dispute erupted in spring 2013 after Unite warned proposed shift changes could put patients at risk with paramedics going up to ten hours without a meal break, working twelve hour shifts and semi skilled care assistants sent out on 999 calls. The Trust insisted safety would not be compromised.

Arbitration service ACAS was brought in, in a bid to end the stalemate. Today the two sides said both parties were resolved to settle all outstanding issues and return immediately to a normalised working relationship.

A joint statement on behalf of both parties said: "The priority of both YAS and Unite is to ensure the delivery of a first-class ambulance service for the people of Yorkshire.

“In acknowledgement of the fact that both parties have committed to building a constructive working relationship, an agreement has now been reached that will see Unite formally re-recognised by the Trust. Both parties will now work together on all relevant issues to safeguard the interests and safety of patients.

“Both YAS and Unite are now looking forward to forging a new relationship based on mutual respect and a commitment to the people of Yorkshire and the Humber.”