Disruption to today’s newspaper deliveries was avoided at the 11th hour after staff called-off plans for strike action over pay.

Workers at Menzies Distribution had been due to hold two 24-hour strikes, the first beginning at 11pm last night and the second at 7pm on Monday.

However the planned action by members of the Unite union was put on hold yesterday following an improved pay offer to the company’s 300 packers, pickers and drivers.

Unite members had previously voted by 86pc in favour of strike action, but a new ballot will now take place.

Details of the improved offer have not been released.  The company had previously proposed increasing wages to £7.25 an hour — 5p over the national living wage.

It also axed double time pay and time off in lieu for seven of the eight bank holidays.

The result of the new ballot is expected by Friday, 30 September.

Unite officer Ian Tonks said no further comment would be made until the result was known.

The move was last night welcomed by the National Federation of Retail Newsagents.

Its head of news Brian Murphy said: “We are pleased that the proposed strikes by Menzies staff tomorrow and on Monday have been called off and that retailers will receive their newspaper and magazine deliveries as normal.”