The union representing carers, cleaners and maintenance workers in a pay dispute with the Sage Nursing Home in Golders Green is “hopeful” of progress after a tentative agreement with management to hold talks.

Around 30 staff staged a three-day strike last month in support of demands for a wage increase to £12 an hour and sick pay and holiday entitlement equivalent to NHS rates. Management has maintained that the claim is unrealistic and would threaten the future of the home.

Although a second strike has been pencilled in for next week, Molly de Dios, who represents the workers at the United Voices of the World union, was feeling optimistic after being contacted by Sage representatives, who offered a meeting through Acas.

 “It’s looking hopeful,” she said. “There’s no guarantee that a meeting will take place, or negotiation will take place, or it will be settled. But there’s conversation there at least.”

However, she added that until there was “a clear indication that the dispute will be settled, the strike dates aren’t off the table”.

A Sage representative said management had “always been willing to talk” and that the parties were “in the process of agreeing arrangements for talks to take place”.

Plans were also afoot to meet workers to discuss their concerns.