A planned strike by Royal Mail workers will not go ahead after progress was made in talks over issues including pay and pensions.

Members of the Communication Workers Union had been due to walk out next Monday after the failure to secure an agreement over matters linked to the controversial privatisation of the postal firm.

A joint statement said: "Royal Mail and CWU have made progress in talks and commit to finalising an agreement in the next two weeks."

The agreement will include legal protections for employees that extend beyond the current three year offer, an improved pay and reward offer and a separate pensions agreement.

It will also cover an agenda for growth "underpinned by a culture of consensual change, timely decision making and industrial stability supported by alternative dispute resolution processes."

Members of the union working in Crown Post Offices are due to strike on Monday in a separate dispute over pay and jobs.

The union said it had agreed to "stand down" the 24-hour Royal Mail strike planned for November 4.

Royal Mail has extended the legal validity of the current industrial action ballot until November 20.

"Both parties will clear diaries to ensure all our efforts are focused on reaching an agreement by November 13," said the statement.

Talks have been held since the union announced the strike date.