Scheduled strikes by Southampton hospital porters due to begin today have been suspended following last-ditch talks.

The 60 plus porters who were due to begin strike action today due to workplace bullying and harassment claims against University Hospital Southampton but suspended the industrial action late last night.

The decision to suspend the strike action was made following extensive talks at the conciliation service Acas.

It comes after Unite union said that 98 per cent of members who voted in the latest ballot, voted in favour of strike action, with a 76 per cent voter turnout.

Union members agreed to suspend today’s strike as an act of good faith and to allow for further talks but strike action on each Monday and Friday in December and January – beginning on December 6 – could still go ahead.

READ MORE: Itchen College teachers to go on strike for three days

In a statement, a Unite spokesperson said: “Following last minute talks at Acas, Unite has agreed to suspend today’s strike action.

“This was made as an act of good faith and to allow hospital management to resolve the outstanding issues that have created this dispute.”

Union members previously claimed porters had been told to inform managers before and after they use the toilet and being denied breaks to drink water at Southampton General Hospital.

Prior to the suspension of the strike action, a hospital spokesperson said: “We have been in direct contact, verbally and in writing, with Unite and our portering staff to reassure them on a few specific concerns raised relating to claims made around the NHS Foundation Trust policy.

“Our porters are entitled to three official breaks during every shift and are actively encouraged to stay hydrated using any of the water cooler facilities throughout our hospitals.

“We remain in active discussions with Unite and local portering representatives to address the issues being raised and will continue to work constructively to resolve the dispute.”