PLANNED strikes by refuse workers across Cheshire West in the New Year have been suspended after they received a revised pay offer.

Industrial action had been set to take place on January 4 in a dispute over pay and conditions, which could have left bins unemptied following the festive period.

The depots at Winsford and Ellesmere Port were due to be impacted, but the strikes have now been suspended and a ballot will take place to consider the new offer.

It is believed the unions wanted a 12 per cent rise, with the council initially offering 7.25 per cent before increasing that to 8.4 per cent.

The Northwich Guardian understands the latest offer to be in the region of 10.5 per cent with an additional bonus taking the overall reward to 12 per cent.

A fresh ballot will now take place on January 5 and January 6 to allow workers to consider this offer.

The picture involving refuse workers across Cheshire West and Chester is complex, owing to the fact the service has previously been privatised and brought back under council control. Some staff are now on different contracts with different pay and conditions.

The GMB union balloted its members over the initial pay offers by Cheshire West Recycling – the company owned by Cheshire West and Chester Council which runs the service. But these offers were rejected by its members by an overwhelming majority.

In its latest message to its members, GMB said: "We have now received a significantly improved offer from the employer and we will once again need to ballot members on this new offer.

"Upon receiving this new offer and after discussions between the regional organiser and workplace reps, it has been decided that the industrial action planned [for January 4 to January 6] will be suspended and staff will work as normal during these dates."

Ahead of the revised offer being submitted, a Cheshire West and Chester Council spokesman confirmed it was still in negotiations to avert the strikes.

The spokesman said: "Discussions with the relevant trades unions and workforce are ongoing, with Cheshire West Recycling still actively working to reach agreement and avoid any industrial action."