PROFITEERING bus operator Stagecoach was accused today of drafting in managers from across Britain to drive scab buses in Merseyside during a strike by almost 500 workers over pay.

The workers, who are members of the Unite union, said Merseyside Police had helped scab managers drive through picket lines at the company’s Gilmoss depot, but the buses then ran mostly empty around the city .

Stagecoach staff say they are paid £1.40 and hour less than their counterparts at rival operator Arriva — a disparity of £3,000 a year.