The third bout of strike action by 84 warehouse staff has been halted after OUP contacted Unite to engage in discussions, which will take place next week.

According to Unite, the Chapel at OUP has put an end to the latest three-day strike until further discussions between the company and Unite national officer Steve Sibbald conclude next week.

Tony Burke, Unite assistant general secretary, said: "The offer from OUP is timely and we will of course respond by engaging in talks next week."

The latest strike had already been postponed from Monday (25 October) until yesterday to increase its effectiveness.

Unite members at OUP are striking over what is considered a less than acceptable pay rise. According to the union, the employees went without a pay rise last year, while the rest of the business received a 2% increase.

OUP had offered a 2% rise across the board this year, but the warehouse staff are asking for 4.2% to account for last year's freeze.

A second offer of 2.5% was made several weeks ago, but that was also rejected by the chapel. Sibbald added: "A half a percent is not going to do when the members are asking for 4.2%."