The National Union of Teachers has cancelled a ballot for a one-day strike over pensions after the government shelved plans to increase the retirement age from 60 to 65.
Teachers were to be balloted next week for a strike in April over the changes, which would have forced them to work an extra five years, or forego their full state pension.
But, following the government's announcement that it is prepared to re-negotiate the deal with public sector workers, the NUT said today it was cancelling the ballot.
The NUT's general secretary, Steve Sinnott, said: "The NUT prefers to work through negotiation to rid teachers of this damaging scheme, which has caused such anxiety amongst public sector workers, including teachers, over their pensions.
"This offer of talks on all the issues must not be just a ploy to avert industrial action in the run up to a general election.
"My aim is to ensure teachers' pension rights are protected and that is what I will be arguing for in the negotiations."
A strike by Unison, T&G, Amicus and Ucatt members, scheduled for this week, was also cancelled.
Ministers admitted last week that unions had not been properly consulted.
A letter sent on Friday from the work and pensions secretary, Alan Johnson, to the general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, Brendan Barber, acknowledged concerns held about "whether... a genuine dialogue has been able to take place".
The letter continues: "I think we need to take the time to get this right. The prime minister agrees and has tasked me with making a fresh start on discussion with the trade unions. I am very clear that in those talks all aspects of the government's proposals will be open to discussion and negotiation."
