A planned strike by ambulance workers over two days next week has been called off.

Unite union members working for trusts across England, including South East Coast Ambulance service covering Kent, were set to walk out on Monday and Wednesday.

They were joining colleagues from trusts in the West Midlands, North West, South Central and East Midlands in a row over pay.

But today it was announced the union was pausing the action ahead of talks.

Earlier this week the two other ambulance unions, GMB and Unison, also called off their strikes for the same days.

Unite head of operations, Gail Cartmail, said: “Following further assurances from the government over the weekend, Unite has in good faith agreed to pause the strike action.

“If the meeting doesn’t meet these assurances strike action will resume.”

The union said the assurances relate to confirmation that any deal will include new money, rather than placing further pressure on NHS budgets and an indication discussions will not impact the conditions on health staff.

Talks are expected early this week.

Unite is the smallest of the three ambulance unions representing about 3,000 workers.

GMB, Unite and Unison members had previously taken action in December.

Ahead of the action, South East Coast Ambulance Service has been asking the public to avoid calling 999 outside serious emergencies to help it manage demand.

A spokesman said: "We have worked closely with our Unite representatives and all staff to minimise the impact of the industrial of action on patients.

"The priority throughout has been balancing patient safety with the right to strike.

"However, anyone who is not facing a life-threatening emergency is likely to wait longer for a response or be directed to alternative care."