The 24-hour strike slated to take place across public hospitals on July 23 has been cancelled, unions announced on Thursday.

Peo and Sek unions said the state health services (Okypy) had agreed not to hire any more seasonal hourly-paid staff and would instead cover its needs with permanent employees paid by the hour if needed.

Okypy has also agreed it will limit its policy to purchasing services only in specific cases.

The decision of the unions to suspend the strike action will be put to a general assembly for ratification.