SQA staff call off first strike

Strike action planned for next week at Scotland's exam body has been called off.

The Unite union had announced three days of strikes for its workers at the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) over the coming months, in a dispute over the organisation's restructuring.

It was scheduled to begin with a walkout on Wednesday June 26.

However, Unite announced on Friday that next week's action has been called off following a joint agreement between parties.

The union said it will review its position in the second week of July and that the strike action scheduled for July 22 and August 6 - exam results day - remains a possibility if "significant progress'' is not made.

Unite regional industrial officer Alison MacLean said: "Unite is confident that the agreement reached with the SQA is a significant step forward.

"Unite has always been committed to resolving this dispute, which has caused unnecessary anxiety for pupils and parents.

"It has also been an extremely difficult time for all Unite members and all staff across the SQA.

"We believe the joint agreement puts in place a framework which can finally end this dispute, which is why strike action is called off for next week.

"But to be clear, the dispute is not formally over and we will continue to monitor progress. Actions speak louder than words.''

An SQA statement said: "SQA remains committed to working collaboratively with Unite the union representatives to fully resolve the issues that have been raised by its members.

"SQA is fully committed to ensuring that candidates receive their results on time. We have an established governance framework in place, where progress and risks are managed, supported by robust contingency plans."