A 12-hour strike by ambulance drivers due to be held on Thursday has been suspended.

From Monday: Ambulance drivers to walk out this week over pay dispute

NHS trade unions suspended the strike, and a 24 hour strike by other NHS staff after a pay proposal was put forward by government.

Unison head of health and the unions' lead negotiator, Christina McAnea said: "The two strike days staged by health workers last year have moved the government to negotiate with the unions.

"This isn't a great offer but it addresses some of the key concerns unions have about low pay in the NHS. In the interest of patients' safety unions will now consult members.

"It will be up to members to decide whether to accept or reject the proposals. If they choose to reject them we will move to further industrial action."

Senior GMB representatives plan to meet next Wednesday to consider the offer in detail and agree a timetable for consultation.

Rehana Azam, GMB National Officer, said "GMB is pleased that after a week of talks we have secured a new offer. This enables us to suspend the strike action while we consult with our members on whether they wish to accept the offer or not".