AstraZeneca talks are continuing after workers agreed to suspend their five-week protest over pension scheme changes so union leaders could meet bosses.

The GMB agreed to halt the industrial action, which has included seven days of strikes and a ban on overtime and formal talks started on Monday.

In a letter to union members, Neil Holder GMB regional officer, said he hoped the meetings would resolve the dispute.

He said: "In order to allow these talks to proceed in a calm atmosphere, the GMB has agreed to suspend with immediate effect, its campaign of industrial action.GMB has made it clear and the company understands that the action is suspended rather than cancelled."

GMB members at the Hurdsfield and Alderley Park sites, which between them employ 6,500 people, balloted in favour of industrial action last month after AZ bosses announced plans to freeze the firm’s final salary scheme.

An AstraZeneca spokeswoman confirmed that talks were continuing.