Oxford University lecturers have called off industrial action while a new pay offer is considered.

Delegates at the Association of University Teachers' annual conference voted to suspend action while the offer is put to union members across the country in a four-week ballot.

Industrial action was launched last month against low pay and proposals by universities to break the link between the pay of academics, such as lecturers, and academic-related staff, such as librarians and computer technicians.

On February 24, AUT members staged a demonstration outside Oxford University's offices in Wellington Square and outside the Town Hall in St Aldate's, as part of a national day of action.

AUT spokesman Barry Johnson said if accepted, the new proposal would produce significant pay increases, targeted initially at those at the the lower end of the pay scale.

It would also protect the link between academic and academic-related staff.

Mr Johnson added: "The union has fought like never before to defend members' pay and conditions in recent months.

"We are proud of the sacrifices that have been made and the solidarity that has been shown."

Employers' original offers were rejected by the AUT in July last year and at last-ditch talks in December.

Mr Johnson said if new proposals were accepted, the union wanted them implemented properly in all universities.

He warned: "A university that fails to do so risks industrial action."