JUNIOR doctors will no longer be taking strike action today, it has been announced.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said on Monday night it was suspending national industrial action set to take place on December 1, 8 and 16 as a deal had been struck with the Government for further talks.

Junior doctors, involved in a dispute over pay and working hours, were due to picket outside the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset County hospitals during working hours, and 'meet the doctor' events were planned to take place in the Triangle, Bournemouth, and Poole's Dolphin Shopping Centre where the public could learn more about the reasons behind the strike.

These events will not now go ahead.

Following discussions between the BMA and the Department of Health over the weekend and continuing on Monday, the Government has agreed to suspend its threat to impose a new contract on doctors. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced the deal in Parliament this afternoon.

A spokesman for the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), which has been hosting the talks, said: "Following five days of productive talks under the auspices of Acas, the BMA, NHS Employers and the Department of Health have reached an agreement.

"Acas is pleased that the talks have been held in a constructive manner and cooperative spirit between the parties, that will allow an improvement in industrial relations."

Trusts around the country have taken steps to prepare for the strikes, using consultants to fulfil junior doctor roles and cancelling scheduled appointments and operations.

NHS England estimates suggest more than 4,000 of today's operations and procedures have already been scrapped.

In an email to members this evening, BMA council chair Mark Porter said: "Following conciliatory talks with NHS Employers and the Department of Health, we have agreed to suspend industrial action in England, which was due to begin at 8am.

"The Government has also agreed not to proceed unilaterally with the introduction of a new contract.

"Today’s decision is in the best interests of patients, doctors and the NHS.

"It is unfortunate that we have not been able to reach agreement sooner but patients, doctors and everyone else who works across the NHS will be pleased that in the end the right decision has been made.

"A return to genuine negotiations is clearly preferable to the imposition of a new contract or industrial action and provides us with the best opportunity to deliver a contract for junior doctors which recognises the central role they play in delivering patient care across the NHS."

If the new round of talks should break down the BMA has the right to hold its strikes before a deadline of January 13.