Next week's tube strikes called off after 'significant concessions'

Next week's tube strikes have been called off after the tube union "made progress" in the pensions and jobs dispute.

Industrial action was suspended after TfL (Transport for London) made "significant concessions", having agreed not to proceed with planned job cuts and pension changes.

Under the renewed deal, there will be longer guarantees on protection of earnings and the "productivity proposal" initiative has been scrapped.

It comes after several hospitality businesses revealed initiatives to entice customers during the strikes, including Hawksmoor, who tweeted it had served "nearly 800 guests our £15 steak & frites during the first day of rail strikes".

Japanese Peruvian restaurant Chotto Matte had also launched a Strike Lucky campaign offering guests a quarter off their bill during the week of industrial action.

Mick Lynch, general secretary of RMT, said: "There has been significant progress made by our negotiating team in ACAS talks with TfL.

"However this is not the end of the dispute nor is it a victory for the union as yet.

"Our members were prepared to engage in significant disruptive industrial action and I commend their resolve."

Lynch added RMT's strike mandate "remains live until October" and warned the union is "prepared to use it if necessary".

"Our campaign to defend jobs, conditions and our members pensions will continue in the coming weeks and months," he added.