A threatened shut down of Bournemouth Airport this weekend has been averted after a new pay offer was made to staff.

Over 100 operations workers at the airport were due to strike from Friday to Sunday in a dispute about pay.

The impact on baggage handling, flight dispatching, check-in staff and the fire service was expected to have a significant impact on airport operations.

However, Bournemouth Airport has now issues a new pay offer and strike action has been postponed to allow members of the Unite trade union to be balloted.

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Matt Tipper said: “Following negotiations between Unite and Bournemouth Airport, the employer has come back with an improved pay offer.”

“Strike action has been suspended while our members will be balloted on this offer over the coming days.”