UK border force officers at Heathrow Airport will no longer go on strike next week.

Workers, who carry out immigration and passport checks at the country’s biggest airport, were due to walk out in protest of roster and shift pattern changes.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) warned the changes could see as many as 250 staff lose their jobs.

The action was due to take place at the west London airport on 11, 12, 13 and 14 April.

But on Friday, the PCS said it was being suspended “in an attempt to seek further negotiations with the Home Office”.

It said: “In the notice issued to the Home Office on 28 March of our intention to induce members to strike, PCS outlined which Border Force roles would be participating.

“Following the Home Office’s desire for clarification and in a spirit of collaboration, PCS has suspended the planned strikes.”

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PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote added: “This is a significant move on the part of PCS that demonstrates a genuine will to work constructively in devising a new roster system that is acceptable to our members, particularly those with disabilities or those with caring responsibilities.

“This does not end the dispute. It is an opportunity for the Home Office to demonstrate they are genuinely seeking a resolution.”

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The union said 90% of members had voted in favour of strike action.

The suspension opened the door for further talks with the Home Office, but the union warned that if no progress was made, the strikes would go ahead at a later date.

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