Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) drivers who were set to go on strike after proposed contract changes have suspended the action.

Industrial action was set to be taken by drivers at Wynnstay Agricultural Supplies Ltd, which has a site in Llansantffraid, but it has now been suspended to allow time for conciliation talks, which will be chaired by Acas.

The proposed changes initially included an earnings drop of up to 25 per cent and an increase in contractual hours.

A ballot of drivers working from both the Llansantffraid and Carmarthen depots delivered an 82 per cent result in favour of industrial action.

The strike was set to take place on Monday, March 2, but talks between the employer and the union will now take place on the same date.

Jo Goodchild, Unite regional officer, commented: “Unite is hopeful that Wynnstay has reflected on its decision to attack its employees terms and conditions and will now take a different route.

"We will enter into these talks in a constructive manner with a view to resolving this dispute in an amicable way.

"However, if progress is not made then the prospect of industrial action remains firmly on the table.”

A spokesman for Wynnstay said: “We can confirm that discussions with our drivers and with Unite are ongoing.

"We are pleased that strike action has been suspended as a result of the constructive progress made so far.

"We will continue to work towards a resolution of outstanding issues and remain optimistic of a positive outcome.”