The NEC agreed to suspend the national strike planned for 10 November and the overtime ban proposed to follow to enter into formal talks with the employer.
The decision was made after receiving a letter from Sir Gus O’Donnell, head of the civil service, which agreed that discussions should take place to address the concerns that form the basis of the national pay dispute and that the period during which the union could legally take industrial action would be extended by 28 days.
The programme of action which members voted for in the national ballot has been suspended while talks are taking place to find a solution to the dispute.
The NEC will meet again on 27 November to review progress in these talks.
