A REPRESENTATIVE of workers at a Nelson file store has warned they are still prepared to strike if last-minute talks fail to reach a pay deal.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union at the Department for Work and Pensions file store were due to take action today and tomorrow.

The file store at Schofield Mill employs 95 staff and is part of a nationwide network storing more than 85million records of sensitive information on benefit claimants.

The union's executive committee has agreed to meet with the employers to discuss a new offer and strike action has been suspended temporarily.

Mark Payne, who represents workers at the Nelson site, said: "The union certainly hasn't caved in and the employers came to us, despite having said previously there was no more money available.

"We would still be prepared to go on strike if it becomes necessary, but for now the action has been suspended."

PCS has confirmed that strikes in four other Government departments will go ahead over the next two days in separate disputes over pay. Almost 20,000 civil servants working in courts, prisons, the Home Office and the Treasury Solicitors office are to take industrial action.