Tesco strikes suspended as sides agree to go to Labour Court

All strike action at Tesco stores is being suspended.

In a statement issued this evening, Tesco said it is engaging in discussions instigated by the Labour Court to resolve the current dispute.

The row centers around changes to some workers with pre-1996 terms and conditions.

Mandate General Secretary John Douglas says that in return, his trade union has immediately halted industrial action at 16 stores across the country while the talks process continues.

Mr Douglas said: "There was a late intervention from the Labour Court and as a result of that intervention the strike has been suspended and the company has agreed that they will not implement any changes to workers' terms of conditions of employment and that both parties will engage in a process, overseen by the Labour Court with the help of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, to resolve all these issues."

Tesco have confirmed that they will not make any changes to pre-1996 terms and conditions while the talks are ongoing.