Planned industrial action by civilian staff working for London's Metropolitan Police has been called off at the eleventh hour. The suspension follows a new offer tabled to resolve a long-running pay dispute.
Breakthrough in Negotiations
The union Unite announced the development, stating that strikes scheduled for January 19 to 24 have been suspended. This decision came after a series of talks involving the police force, union representatives, and the independent conciliation service Acas.
Unite's regional officer, Keith Henderson, confirmed the breakthrough. "Following a breakthrough in negotiations, we have agreed to suspend upcoming strike action to allow our members to have a say on whether to accept this," Henderson stated.
Members to Decide in Crucial Ballot
Instead of walking out, the union's members will now be given the opportunity to vote on the new pay offer. This democratic process will determine the next steps in the dispute.
The ballot is now open and is set to close on January 28, 2026. The outcome will decide whether the new terms are accepted or if industrial action will be back on the table.
Impact and Next Steps
The suspension of the strike will come as a significant relief to the Metropolitan Police, which relies on its civilian workforce for a wide range of critical support functions. The threatened walkout had the potential to cause considerable operational disruption across the capital.
All eyes are now on the union's membership. Their vote in the coming days will ultimately settle this pay dispute and define the immediate future of workplace relations within the UK's largest police force.
