The RMT have suspended rail strikes after securing intensive negotiations with rail bosses.

The rail union RMT have called off three 24-hour strikes after announcing they will be entering into a period of intensive negotiations with Network Raid and train operating companies.

The RMT had planned strikes on Saturday 5, Monday 7 and Wednesday 9 of November.

However Network Rail have said that the late notice means that services will still remain extremely limited tomorrow and there will be limited ability to change the strike timetable for Monday.

Originally, Network Rail had declared discussions and consultations closed and was intent on imposing changes to maintenance without agreement with RMT.

They have now rowed back and will continue discussions on the basis that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed."

The current dispute remains live, and the union is continuing its re-ballot of members to secure a fresh mandate for action with the result due on 15 November.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.

“We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.

“Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions.

“Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next six months to secure a deal, we will.”

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, said: “It is positive that the RMT leadership have stepped back from the brink and called off their strike action.

“Unfortunately, the late notice means that while train companies are working hard to reinstate services, they will remain severely disrupted for our passengers tomorrow and into the early part of next week.

“Our advice remains to please check before you travel and on Saturday and Monday, only travel by rail if necessary.

“We remain committed to intensive negotiations to agree the reforms needed to improve reliability, deliver a pay rise for our people and get the industry back on a sustainable financial footing.”