A strike by easyJet baggage handlers at London Gatwick Airport has been suspended after an improved pay offer was put to their union, Unite.

Nearly 600 DHL workers, contracted to easyJet, had been planning to walk out from 28 July to 1 August.

They will now be balloted on the new pay offer and the planned strikes will not go ahead.

However, Unite warned fresh strikes will be announced if its members reject the pay deal.

Around 450 ASC, Menzies Aviation and GGS staff, who work for other airlines including British Airways, are still scheduled to strike from 28 July to 1 August and 4 to 8 August.  

Unite Regional Officer Dominic Rothwell said: “As an act of good faith, Unite’s Gatwick DHL members have agreed to suspend their first set of strikes while they are balloted on the new offer.

“Unite urges the remaining employers to return to the negotiating table and put forward an offer our members will accept.

EasyJet said in a statement:  “We are pleased to see that the proposed strike action has been called off and a del has been reached that Unite is putting forward to its members.”