The train drivers' union Aslef has offered to suspend industrial action on Southern Railway if the company agrees to new talks hosted by the TUC.

Members of the union are banning overtime and are due to walk out for three days next week, which would bring Southern's services to a halt.

Hundreds of thousands of passengers were hit by three days of strikes last week and have endured months of disruption because of industrial action, staff shortages and other issues.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said: "I am today proposing a new process to try and find a resolution to our industrial dispute with Southern.

"We propose that Aslef and Southern engage in intensive talks under the auspices of the TUC, and as soon as possible.

"Given the implications of this dispute for the wider railway industry, I am also asking the Secretary of State for Transport to support this new process.

"Aslef believes that the best way to resolve the dispute at Southern is for all parties to engage in meaningful talks, without preconditions, aimed at finding an agreed way forward."

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "The DfT welcomes Aslef's offer to suspend industrial action on Southern Rail to allow for a new round of intensive talks aimed at resolving the current dispute.

"However, in order to aid this process, the Secretary for Transport has suggested that these talks be jointly chaired by Andy Meadows, group HR director at Abellio, and Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the TUC."

Charles Horton, chief executive of Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “We've always made clear our willingness to engage in meaningful talks with ASLEF to find a route forward to end their dispute.

“So, together with our passengers and businesses, we warmly welcome their decision to suspend next week's planned industrial action.

"This is an important and significant development for the travelling public and the regional economy and our focus and efforts now will be on productive talks with the union and trying to find a solution and a way forward.

"We are grateful to Frances O'Grady and Andy Meadows for agreeing to chair jointly this important new round of talks and they have our unequivocal endorsement and support."