Strike action at catalogue store group Argos’ Irish shops has been called off. Staff at the retailer’s stores in The Republic of Ireland had been due to walk out today in a dispute over pay.

However, following negotiations between Argos and trade union Mandate, employees will be balloted after Christmas on a proposed settlement.

Eighteen of Argos’ Irish shops were picketed earlier this month as staff sought a 10 per cent pay rise. The retailer resorted to flying workers in from the UK to ensure stores in the Republic continued to run smoothly.