PLANNED strike action by Liverpool Airport workers over the Bank Holiday have been suspended.

Three days of strikes for today (August 22), Saturday 24 and next Thursday, 29, were planned.

The GMB union said health and safety of workers and travellers must come first as around 200 workers voted to take three days of strike action.

Workers on the Swissport EasyJet and Swissport Mainline contracts had voted overwhelmingly for industrial action "over health and safety issues, working practices, pay and the company’s breach of the recognition agreement".

The dispute involves baggage handlers and other Swissport workers at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

However, the industrial actions have now been suspended as GMB is set to ballot members on new proposals put forward by Swissport.

A Swissport spokesperson said: “Swissport is pleased to confirm that the strike action due to take place over the bank holiday weekend at Liverpool John Lennon Airport has been suspended.

"This will allow the GMB to ballot its members on a new proposal put forward by Swissport. We are confident that this proposal, which has been drafted following considered negotiations, will deliver the best outcome for our employees, customers and airline passengers.

"We are encouraged that the GMB will recommend that the proposal is accepted by its members and welcome this breakthrough.”