Sir, - I am absolutely taken back by the reports that the ambulance meal-break dispute has been resolved in the manner it has.

In a time of austerity we are being told that they will recruit 150 new staff at a cost of £5 million per year. The Unite Scottish secretary, Pat Rafferty, claims that "these proposals benefit both patients and staff, helping deliver the best service possible for the public".

Really? Is it really the best value solution for the public? I think not.

This is the unions at their best, or worst, and puts more financial strain on the public purse. - Yours etc,

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