SECURITY guards at the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum agreed to pause their historic strike today, after nearly three weeks of walkouts.

Their union, United Voices of the World (UVW), said the decision follows promises that the museums will present an acceptable offer by early next month.

If not, or if the offer falls short, daily strikes are set to resume from March 7.

The guards are demanding £16 per hour to offset years of pay freezes, sick pay from day one instead of a three-day unpaid period, and equal terms with directly employed museum staff, including more annual leave and a yearly bonus.

UVW general secretary Petros Elia said: “Security guards have endured years of low pay and unfair treatment while the museums boast record-breaking profits.

“The fight is far from over — if the museums fail to act, the guards are ready to walk out again.

“It’s time for them to do the right thing. We remain at their disposal for talks.”