John Radcliffe Hospital porters strike called off

Porters were due to hold a 48-hour strike on Thursday

A 48-hour strike by porters at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital has been called off.

The Unison union said its members had earlier voted in favour of new proposals after weeks of negotiations with employer Carillion.

The strike, over planned changes to shift patterns and job roles, was due to go ahead on Thursday.

A spokesman for Unison said the revised deal would reorganise the workforce while protecting staff.

Lead negotiator James Sleep said it had been a "tough few weeks" but, as a result of the deal, none of the porters would be financially worse off.

'Fair outcome'

"Thanks to the commitment of our members and the help of Acas we were able to come up with a deal which our members could accept," he said.

Unison General Secretary Dave Prentis said: "Our portering members stood up to the initial proposals and have achieved a fair outcome that will both protect staff and keep patients safe."

An earlier strike was postponed in July, the day before porters were due to walk out.

Unison said some porters could have lost up to £54 a week if their hours were altered under the original proposals.

Carillion has previously said it aimed to agree on improvements to "deliver an improved service for patients and [that] have the support and confidence of our staff".