By Craig Manning

STRIKE action planned for Wirral hospitals has been cancelled while unions consider a new offer.

More than 1,500 Health Care Assistants from Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge Hospitals were balloted over the weekend, with 79 per cent voting in favour of suspending further action and accepting a Wirral NHS revised offer.

Consultation will also begin on 'Agenda for Change' - a proposal which would see a one-tier pay system for all Health Care Assistants.

Strikes last month were triggered by pay differences for care workers who do exactly the same job.

Mick Cashman, regional organiser for the Transport & General Workers' Union, welcomed the revised offer as a 'a major step forward' in the fight for equal pay and conditions. Mr Cashman said: "We now await the outcome of the national consultation for the Agenda for Change and, after that, we will sit down with our trust and debate any outstanding areas."

A one-day stoppage on December 11 caused disruption, with more than 100 operations being cancelled as health care assistants from many departments within the hospitals, including auxiliary nurses, porters, caterers, laboratory staff and theatre staff walked out.

A spokesman for Wirral NHS Trust told the Globe: "This is good news for the patients and staff and we greatly welcome it. We look forward to working constructively with unions and staff."