Scottish college lecturers have suspended ther latest day of strike action after "positive" talks to resolve a long-running dispute over pay.
Unions have already taken four days of strikes and continue to implement action short of a strikes in a dispute over a cost-of-living pay increase.
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), which represents college lecturers, said the strike was suspended after progress was made in pay talks.
Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the EIS, said: "We welcome the constructive dialogue around pay which took place with Colleges Scotland and hope this positive movement will continue when we meet again this week.
READ MORE: College strike targets student assessments
"The executive has acknowledged its commitment to continuing negotiation and resolving this pay dispute by the suspension of the strike action planned for this week.”
Mr Flanagan also welcomed a new National Working Practices Agreement, which was discussed last week.
He said: "This is an important document which sets out national terms and conditions for college lecturers.
"This document reflects the commitment of the sector to national bargaining and in ensuring parity for Scotland’s college lecturers."
College management welcomed the move, but expressed disappointment that industrial action short of strike action continues - including withholding students’ assessment results.
John Gribben, director of employment services at Colleges Scotland Employers’ Association, said: "We welcome the decision to suspend strike action on Wednesday and, while we are moving closer to reaching a deal, we recognise there is more work to be done.
“Colleges have made a further improved financial offer subject to agreement on terms and conditions.
"We believe lecturers would accept the deal and have asked the EIS to take our offer to its members for approval."
In March, college lecturers voted overwhelmingly to escalate industrial action in the ongoing battle over pay.
At the time, Colleges Scotland, which represents managers, described the escalation as an "unprecedented and disgraceful attack" on students.
READ MORE: Lecturers attack £125,000 salary of new college boss
The EIS said members had been offered a two per cent consolidated pay rise covering a three year period which it argues does not cover increases in inflation.
However, Colleges Scotland said most lecturers had received significant increases in recent years because of an agreement to harmonise pay across the country.
They say colleges cannot afford to pay for any further rises and doing so would lead to course cuts and job losses.
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