Croydon residents will see their bins collected as usual as a looming strike has been called off.

Workers in the South London borough were threatening to walk out of work for three weeks over “poverty pay”.

Now workers employed by outsourced contractor, Veolia, have been offered a pay deal. The strike, involving 100 people, was due to begin this Thursday for a three-week period.

Employees have now voted to accept the pay offer worth 8.5 per cent as well as an additional one off bonus of £750.

The union claims that some workers earn £7,000 less than compared to other London boroughs.

Unite said drivers, who must have a HGV licence, earn £12.51 an hour while loaders and sweepers get £10.75 an hour.

Unite general secretary said, Sharon Graham said: “This deal puts much-needed money into our members’ pockets at a tough time.

"Well done to our members for taking a stand and supporting each other.

"Their solidarity sent a clear message to Veolia that our members were determined to win a better deal on pay.

“Once again, workers can see the very real benefits of belonging to Unite, a union committed to defending and enhancing the jobs, pay and conditions of its members.”

Before the threatened strike, Veolia had offered a 2.5 per cent pay increase to drivers and two per cent increase for others – Unite said this was after 10 months of discussion.

Regional officer for the union, Clare Keogh said: “This was a significant dispute and Unite will be building on this pay deal in future negotiations with Veolia to further improve our members pay and conditions on this contract.

“Going forward it is hoped that there will now be more positive industrial relations with Veolia.”

A spokesperson for Croydon Council previously “strongly encouraged” the union and company to come to an agreement that avoided industrial action.

A Veolia spokesperson said: “We are pleased that an agreement has been reached between Veolia and Unite the Union representatives in Croydon.  

"This means a resolution for our teams and residents’ recycling and waste services will continue as normal.”