POLICE staff have suspended strike action due to take place on Monday as negotations have begun into a planned pay increase for union members, including PCSOs, scene of crime officers and financial investigators.

Civilian members of Unison voted to reject an offer of a one per cent pay increase earlier this month, paving the way for industrial strike action.

A 24-hour strike was scheduled forMonday, which would have been the first time that police staff have downed tools in a quarter of a century.

But now negotiations have been opened which have averted the strike while the parties enter discussions.

A four-week ban on any form of overtime, which had been due to come into force on January 5, has also been sidelined while union bosses attempt to secure a three per cent pay rise or the minimum of a £500 increase.

Police employers have already made a conciliatory offer of a further one per cent pay rise, which has provided a platform for further talks.

Nick Maslen, the union branch secretary for Wiltshire Police and Justice, said it was relief that the industrial action has been sidelined after initial stubborness over negotiations.

“This is a very positive step,” he said.

“The employers had refused point blank to even enter negotiations and the objective of this industrial action was always to get the employers back to the negotiating table, and now we have done that.

“Negotiations have already started and will carry on in the New Year.

We would love to achieve the aim of the three per cent and minimum of £500 increase.

“There was a feeling among Unison that there was a certain amount of arrogance from employers in refusing to speak to us. It is sad that we had to force their hand with the threat of industrial action but the response, especially from our members in Wiltshire, was so strong so we are very pleased for their support.”

Unison general secretary, Dave Prentis, said: “Suspending the strike action provides a window of opportunity for positive talks between Unison and the employer to continue.

“We welcome the decision by the employers to work with the union to achieve an improved offer which we can put to our members.

“Unison is serious about getting a better deal for police staff this year.

“Our members play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe and they deserve a salary that recognises this.”