STRIKES at the Faslane naval base have been suspended.

Company bosses have agreed to return to the negotiating table following a dispute with union Unite over pay.

Industrial action was due to start tomorrow at Faslane and Coulport bases but ­senior ­management at Babcock Marine have agreed to discuss an improved pay offer.

Fresh talks are ­expected to begin next Monday.

Ian Waddell, Unite national officer, said: "Babcock management has said it wants to ­negotiate an improved, consolidated pay deal, so as a gesture of good faith we have agreed to suspend industrial action in order for discussions to take place."