Last ditch talks between union reps and rail bosses to avert a strike on the Central line tomorrow have broken down.

The train drivers union ASLEF announced this afternoon that they had failed to reach a deal with TfL at a joint meeting with the conciliation service ACAS to avoid Friday’s 24-hour walkout.

ASLEF’s Finn Brennan said: “Despite our best efforts, we were unable to make real progress today. Management still refuse to move on the key issues.” Mr Brennan, threatening further strike action, said: “Senior figures at TfL need to take a long, hard look at what is going wrong with industrial relations on London Underground and act to fix the problems.”

Today’s talks appear to have broken down over TfL’s refusal to reinstate a sacked driver.

The overall dispute centres on drivers’ concerns about rail bosses’ alleged unfair treatment of staff who ASLEF says go unsupported when sick.

There are also disagreements over overtime, “unsafe” working practices and bullying, according to ASLEF.

Nigel Holness, director of network operations for London Underground, said: “I am disappointed that ASLEF has chosen to go ahead with this needless strike action, despite positive discussions over recent days.

“In those discussions we have made good progress on resolving most of their issues, but have not been able to agree on the reinstatement of a train driver who was dismissed for a serious breach of our safety regulations.

“The safety of our customers and staff is paramount and something we will never compromise.

“We remain open for discussions on how to resolve this dispute, and apologise to our customers for the unnecessary disruption.”.

The walk out is due to start at 00:01am and end at 23:59 on Friday. It will also affect the Waterloo and City line.