The labour dispute at the Devon Springs recycling plant is over with workers given the chance to work overtime to clear the backlog.

On Tuesday more than a dozen workers downed tools when Government sent in trucks to remove the bottles and tins which had built up due to a mechanical problem with the conveyor belt.

Workers protested the removal of the recyclables since the work helps them get overtime pay while trucking the material away is expensive.

Last night Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Robert Horton said the employees had accepted management's offer for overtime this weekend and during the next two weeks to clear the backlog of work.

A Government Press release said Acting Labour and Training Director Glenn Fubler had successfully brokered a solution.

The statement said a flexible solution had been found which took into account environmental challenges and budget limits.

It said: "Staff have resumed work at the site and are committed to moving materials in a timely fashion."