Rail strikes that would have brought three days' disruption suspended

Three days' of rail strikes planned for 5, 7 and 9 November have been suspended, the RMT Union has announced.

The strikes were the latest in a series that have brought the rail and Underground networks to a standstill this year, following a dispute over pay and conditions.

In August hospitality businesses warned that three days' of strike action could wipe out a month's profit, with many opting to close entirely on disrupted days.

The RMT Union today said it would now "enter into a period of intensive negotiations with Network Rail and the train operating companies".

General secretary Mick Lynch said: "The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.

"We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.

"Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions.

"Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next 6 months to secure a deal, we will."

Network Rail has warned that due to the late notice of the suspending of industrial action, rail services on Saturday will be "extremely limited", and that services may continue to be disrupted on Monday.