Around 800 union members had threatened to walk out between 7 May and 13 May over plans to outsource staff who assist passengers with connections, plus employees with trolley collection roles and other members of security personnel.

The first two days of the action this week were postponed while talks were reconvened. Unite on Wednesday (8 May) confirmed a new deal had agreed, which will now be put to members.

Unite regional officer Wayne King said: “Talks have progressed well over the last two days and we will now be balloting our members on a new offer. As a goodwill gesture, we will be suspending the remaining strike action this week while our members are consulted.”

A Heathrow spokesperson added: “Unite has suspended more strike dates after we repeated our assurances that we have no further planned changes to operational teams. 

“The changes announced earlier this year will continue as planned and those colleagues are being supported through the process, with a guaranteed job at Heathrow. 

“While Unite has recommended its members accept these assurances and end the dispute, passengers can be assured we will keep schedules operating as normal if strikes were to return.”