Residents who rely on London Underground services for journeys into central London have been given some relief after planned Tube strikes due to begin this week were suspended.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) had been set to walk out from midday tomorrow (Tuesday, 19 May) as part of a dispute over proposals linked to the voluntary introduction of a four-day working week with condensed hours.

The industrial action had raised concerns about travel disruption across London, including for Richmond borough residents connecting via District line services and wider Transport for London routes.

However, the union announced on Monday that the planned strikes would be put on hold following fresh developments in talks.

The RMT said: "At the 11th hour the employer has shifted its position allowing us to further explore our members' concerns around the imposition of new rosters, fatigue and safety issues."

The strike action had also been scheduled to resume on Thursday.

Industrial action previously planned for 16 and 18 June has also been suspended, although fresh strike dates have now been announced for 2 and 4 June if talks fail to produce an agreement.

The dispute centres around concerns raised by union members over new working patterns, including potential impacts on fatigue and safety.

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