The Royal College of Nursing says it will pause strike action as it enters “intensive talks” with ministers over pay.

RCN members in England were set to walk out for 48 hours from 1-3 March as part of the long-running dispute with the government over pay and conditions.

But the union now says it will meet with the health secretary on Wednesday to begin “intensive” negotiations and it “will pause strike action during these talks”.

A joint statement from the RCN and the Department of Health said: “The government and Royal College of Nursing have agreed to enter a process of intensive talks.

“Both sides are committed to finding a fair and reasonable settlement that recognises the vital role that nurses and nursing play in the National Health Service and the wider economic pressures facing the United Kingdom and the prime minister’s priority to halve inflation.

“The talks will focus on pay, terms and conditions, and productivity-enhancing reforms.

“The health secretary will meet with the Royal College of Nursing on Wednesday to begin talks. The Royal College of Nursing will pause strike action during these talks.”