Members of the two unions recognised at English Heritage – Prospect and the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union – have postponed industrial action until 2 April as talks continue in a bid to seek a resolution to the dispute.

A high turnout of staff voted to strike after a series of disappointing pay awards left their pay lagging approximately 10% behind that of the mainstream civil service.

Members at English Heritage sites had planned a one-day strike on Friday 8 March while office-based staff were to strike on Monday 11 March.

Steve Jary, Prospect negotiations officer, said: "Members have agreed to postpone the action to allow attention to focus on finding a resolution acceptable to both sides.

"It does not, however, mean that the dispute has been resolved and members are still committed to going ahead with a day of action on 2 April, and on subsequent days, if no agreement is reached."

Neil March, PCS negotiator, said: "Strike action was the last thing that PCS members in English Heritage wanted to do but this year’s low pay offer left them no choice. We welcome management's move to avert this week’s joint strike action and will now work with them and Prospect to secure a fair pay deal for our members."