Strike action by members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union at The Pensions Regulator has been suspended and staff returned to work last Wednesday. 

Hundreds of staff at TPR took part in the strikes earlier this month while pay talks remained deadlocked.

After seven months of  strike action over pay by almost 400 PCS members, the TPR yesterday said they would meet union negotiators in a bid to resolve the dispute.

The current wave of strikes, mainly at TPR's Brighton office, began in January with 10 days of strikes planned for March.

Fran Heathcote, general secretary of the PCS union, said: “While PCS welcomes the commitment shown by TPR to attend talks, let’s not forget it was the strength and determination of our members that brought them to the table.

“We look forward to making genuine progress towards an agreed settlement that will see our members rewarded fairly for their work.”

The TPR said: “This has been a difficult time for our people over the last few months and this breakthrough is an opportunity for all of us to come together to protect, enhance and innovate in savers’ interests.” 

The suspension of strike action follows extensive engagement and many "productive conversations" between the union and the TPR, the TPR said.

The PCS and the TPR have agreed to work together on the forthcoming 2024/25 pay round, stating:   

• TPR is committed to securing the funding for the full percentage pay increase to the overall pay pot proposed by the 2024/25 Civil Service pay remit guidance. Further, TPR is committed to submitting a pay flexibility case for the pay remit guidance year 2024/25. TPR will work with the PCS Union on the principles of a pay flexibility case assessing all of the options available.  
 
• TPR and PCS will engage in meaningful consultation, on matters relating to TPR’s employee value proposition, including reward, annual leave entitlement and the pay and terms and conditions of staff TUPE transferred to TPR.  

TPR said the discussions will take place very soon and meetings have already been scheduled.  

TPR said: “TPR welcomes the suspension of this strike action and looks forward to all its valued colleagues returning to work and helping us deliver for pension savers.”

The TPR employs about 980 staff. According to the PCS union, about 380 members took part in the strike action although the TRP disputed that, suggesting a figure closer to 200.