A series of planned strikes by railway workers have been suspended, the RMT union announced.

Members were due to walk out for 24 hours on Saturday 5, Monday 7 and Wednesday 9 November.

But despite Saturday’s walkout being cancelled, Network Rail said “the very late notice means that service for tomorrow cannot be reinstated and will remain extremely limited”.

Chief negotiator Tim Shoveller said there would also be “limited ability to change the ‘strike timetable’ for Monday.

“Our advice remains to please check before you travel and on Saturday and Monday and only travel by rail if absolutely necessary,” he said.

The strikes were called over jobs, pay and conditions and first started in June.

RMT officials said that instead of striking, the union will now “enter into a period of intensive negotiations with Network Rail”, with the promise of a pay deal from train operators.

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RMT 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.”

He added that RMT plans remain “very much live” and a re-ballot for further strikes will conclude on 15 November.

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