Ambulance workers suspended industrial action last night after reaching a pay deal with employers.

The decision was made just days after the board of directors of Sussex Ambulance Service NHS Trust (SAST) accused staff of putting patients at risk.

Trade unions have been locked in talks with the trust in a bid to resolve a long-running dispute over pay and conditions.

Unions were asking for a five per cent pay rise for all employees, including paramedics and call-handling staff.

Bosses implemented a 2.6 per cent pay rise in October and had ruled out a further increase.

Yesterday they relented, offering a subsequent rise of 0.6 per cent from April.

Workers on rotating shifts who have been in post for at least ten years have also been offered an additional two days' leave.

The breakthrough comes after a bitter row between trust bosses and trade unions Unison, the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel (APAP) and Amicus-AEEU.

The trust had accused union members of jeopardising patient safety by refusing to work voluntary overtime, record response times or provide standby ambulance cover at roadside locations.

On February 12, union dissatisfaction with talks prompted members to step up their action by refusing to provide cover for special events or to work at locations outside their base station area.

This prompted a statement from the trust's board of directors which said: "The board is now concerned at the increased threat to emergency 999 services and the care of patients in Sussex.

"In escalating the industrial action, the unions are not only affecting the safety of patients but also isolating SAST staff from the majority of other ambulance staff from around the country who have accepted a pay offer of 3.6 per cent in line with NHS workers."

Unison said it had never been the intention of ambulance staff or the unions to jeopardise patient care but said members were left with no choice after the failure of talks over the 2002 pay award.

Unions are optimistic following yesterday's resolution and are preparing to ballot more than 600 members, asking whether or not they should accept the pay offer.

Unison staff representative Duncan Jones said: "We are pleased we have got movement from the management but, at the same time, it is a shame the issue had to get this far.

"We want our members to make up their own minds up on this matter so we will be organising a free ballot."

Further talks will be held in April to discuss employment conditions.

Unions want a decrease in the working week, from 42 hours to 40. They are also calling for cost-of-living supplements, similar to those awarded to nurses, and the option for early retirement at 55.

A spokeswoman for SAST said: "Management proposed a second-stage increase of 0.6 per cent effective from April 1, 2003, on all pay points, making an overall increase of 4.2 per cent.

"In addition, two extra days' annual leave is being offered for rotating shift staff who have completed ten years' service."

A ballot of union members will be held within a month. If the offers are rejected, industrial action will continue.