STRIKE action at Barnsley College set for next week has been suspended.

The week-long strike by support staff was due to begin on Monday.

UNISON yesterday announced that It had been put on hold.

The walkout, which would have continued until Friday, was part of a long-running dispute over pay.

But after a meeting between the principal of Barnsley College and UNISON earlier this week, the strike has been suspended in order to allow negotiations to take place.

UNISON is hopeful the agreement from the college to negotiate could lead to the dispute being resolved.

UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Robin Symonds said: “UNISON has been asking managers at Barnsley College to get round the table and negotiate for months.

“Staff have been forced to take 11 days of strike action so far. It’s really encouraging to finally be in a position to negotiate, and hopefully this dispute can soon be resolved.”