The unofficial action at Alexander Dennis is a response to talks surrounding absence levels at the coachbuilders.

The workers walked out at the Glasgow Road site today, reportedly against the wishes of their union representatives.

Bill Simpson, the company's corporate affairs director, said: "It's an unofficial walkout which comes in the midst of discussions over levels of absenteeism in our Falkirk factory.

"From a management point of view, the absence levels have been totally unacceptable.

"We have worked hard to resuscitate this business in the last four years and we are going to do all we can to protect our business and our customers.

"We expect the workers back on Monday and talks will continue."

Pat Raffery, Unite senor organiser, said he would be attending an emergency meeting with the employers later today.