BUS company First has reached a pay deal with its Manchester-based engineering staff, although its drivers in Bury are currently in dispute over working rotas.

Engineers on shift rotas have received a pay increase up to £9.60 per hour, which is set to rise again to £9.88 in April 2004.

Employees working standard day duties have seen their pay rise to £8 an hour, increasing to £8.24 in April 2004.

Bus drivers from First Manchester in Bury, Bolton and Leigh are currently balloting for industrial action until January 5, after the company was said to have imposed changes to holiday periods and shift rotas.