A second independent tribunal has vetoed Ulster Bank's plans for pay and job cuts, and has urged the Irish Bank Officials' Association (IBOA) and the bank to enter into negotiations. Crucially, the tribunal has guaranteed that staff affected by the Horizon restructuring programme will retain their current salary and salary protection until December 2004. IBOA assistant general secretary Mr Larry Broderick welcomed the recommendations. "The IBOA is calling on management at the bank to take the advice of the tribunal on board, change the style of management and work towards a more inclusive and consensus-based approach," he said yesterday.

Mr Martin Wilson, Ulster Bank chief executive, said the bank was prepared to enter into serious negotiations in good faith with the IBOA. "Partnership requires trust on both sides. We are willing to enter talks as adults and not go running to the media in a bid to bully anyone," he said.

Meanwhile, the bank is in negotiations with its porters, cleaners and security staff on the provision of a £2,000 "Dublin allowance" already paid to bank officials. About 50 staff are currently balloting for strike action in pursuit of their claim.

Mr Wilson said the bank may make some monetary payment to these staff but that the "Dublin allowance" would apply only to bank officials.