The porters, who were due to begin strike action today (28 November) due to workplace bullying and harassment, agreed to suspend the strike after talks at the conciliation service Acas.

The talks have made progress on the issues affecting the workers, according to Unite, the union representing the porters.

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.'

The first 24-hour walkout was due to be followed with strikes on Monday and Friday each week throughout December and January.