The BMA said action planned on 25-26 November had been paused to allow negotiations to take place.

A BMA spokesperson said: ‘Strike action is never taken lightly, so we hope the Government will come to the table prepared to take consultants' concerns seriously.'

Ben Morrin, chief executive of NHS Employers, said: ‘Health leaders will welcome this decision taken by the BMA to suspend the strike action that had been planned by consultants later this month and enter negotiations with the Government.

‘This is a vital chance to reset the conversation, and we would urge both sides to use this opportunity to reach a fair, sustainable agreement, that will help maintain high-quality safe care for patients at a very challenging time.'

Sir Ciarán Devane, chief executive of The NHS Alliance said: ‘This decision by the BMA to suspend the strike action planned by consultants over two days in November will come as welcome news to NHS leaders.

‘It is a positive step that consultants and the Government have agreed to get round the table and enter formal negotiations, crucially avoiding the significant negative impact a two-day walkout would have had on patient care.

‘Health service leaders will hope that both sides are able to use this time productively to reach a long term sustainable agreement that ensures both high-quality care for patients and supports senior doctors.'