COUNCIL workers have called off a second day of strike action planned for next Wednesday after agreeing a new pay deal following two days of talks.

Trade unions accepted the pay proposals put forward by the conciliation service Acas which will mean an average 7.8 per cent rise over two years.

The lowest paid workers have been awarded a 10.9 per cent increase while all staff will receive a three per cent rise in salary with a £5 an hour minimum rate backdated to April 1.

A one per cent rise will follow on October 1 and next April workers will be entitled to a 3.5 per cent salary rise with an extra one per cent for the lowest paid.

This will mean staff at the bottom of the pay scale will be earning £5.32 an hour by next spring, compared to the current £4.40.

UNISON has welcomed the agreement after previously turning down a three per cent offer and demanding a six per cent.

It has also been decided that an independent Local Government Pay Commission should be set up to investigate low pay in local authorities.

Chairman of UNISON's West Somerset branch, Samantha Murrell, said she and members were pleased with the pay deal and relieved that the further industrial action had been called off.

"We are happy with the deal because it will benefit most the lowest paid workers and we also welcome the staggered increases," she said.

"We did not want a prolonged series of strikes because in our branch we voted in favour of the three per cent offer because we did not have any grievances with this.

"But in the large cities they felt they wanted more wages so we showed solidarity and joined them in the strike action and now have gained as well.

"However, we are still waiting for official confirmation that industrial action is over, as at the moment it is just suspended."

If next Wednesday's walkout had gone ahead, up to 80 of the West Somerset District Council's 149 employees could have again downed tools for 24 hours.

The council maintained a skeleton service when the first stoppage was staged on July 17 with essential services still running and remaining on standby to deal with emergencies.