A major strike by civilian staff working for London's Metropolitan Police has been called off at the eleventh hour after a new pay offer was tabled.
Strike Action Paused for Consultation
The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) confirmed it has suspended the industrial action planned for Thursday 15 January 2026. This follows a previous walkout by members in November 2025.
Instead of striking, the union will now hold a series of consultative meetings with its 6,800 members employed by the force. They will discuss the details of the fresh proposal from management aimed at resolving the long-running pay dispute.
Union Leadership Responds to Offer
PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote stated that the move by managers was a recognition of the staff's concerns. "These loyal and committed members care about justice at work as much as they care about justice on the streets of London," Heathcote said.
"It is only right that managers have taken notice. We look forward to consulting members and to meaningful engagement with managers going forwards," she added.
Separate Strike in Mayor's Office Continues
While the main Met Police strike is on hold, a separate industrial action involving 130 PCS members is ongoing. These staff, based in the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), began their strike on Monday 12 January 2026 and it is set to continue until Thursday 15 January.
The suspension of the larger strike provides a window for negotiation, but the outcome now rests on the feedback from thousands of civilian staff who perform vital roles supporting frontline policing in the capital.
