Unison, which is leading a national strike for public sector workers, has told members working for South Tyneside Homes (STH) that they should not participate in the strike on Wednesday and Thursday next week.

Rumours that the strike would be called off have circulated since a crunch meeting on Monday was called between STH bosses and union representatives.

On Tuesday, the Gazette asked senior Unison branch secretary Merv Butler whether there were any potential legal problems with the strike.

He denied it, saying: "I don't know who gave you your information, but workers at STH will still be able to strike."

But last night a spokesman for Unison said: "It is not now possible for Unison members working for South Tyneside Homes to take part in the industrial action which is to take place on July 16 and 17.

"This is due to an administrative complication in the legal notification which was sent to the employer.

"Affected members have been informed that they should not participate in the industrial action."

In an agreement with STH, no pickets will be put on the entrances of their workplaces.

Premises not to be picketed are the arms length management organisation's headquarters Strathmore House, Rolling Mill Road, Hebburn, all sheltered accommodations, and all housing offices not shared with South Tyneside Council.

It is understood that South Tyneside Homes claim not to have received advance warning of the strike. This means that it could be illegal, and anyone striking could be prosecuted.

But Union of Construction Allied Trades and Technicians (Ucatt) executive council member Wilf Flynn said: "I cannot believe such retrenchment so quickly.

"I'm sure Margaret Thatcher threatened the miners with legal action in the 1980s, but they still went on strike for their principles.

"I can't believe that Unison have back down on this. This is the first time I've encountered a situation like this one in South Tyneside.

"Unison denied outright in Tuesday's Gazette that there would be any legal problems with the strike."

In an e-mail to Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn, Mr Flynn called the situation a "lost opportunity".

One worker from STH said: "I can't believe the whole strike has fallen through because of a so-called 'administrative complication'.

"Unions are supposed to represent the workers, yet they've backed down over a cock-up. Union members here are furious."

Because of the decision, both Ucatt and Unite will not take part in the strike at STH.

Unison members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland voted by 55 per cent for industrial action, after rejecting a 2.45 per cent pay offer.

Almost 600,000 workers were balloted, including school dinner staff, classroom assistants, cooks, social workers, architects and refuse collectors.

South Tyneside Homes did not wish to comment.