Bectu said industrial action could hit BBC Olympics coverage

Members of technology union Bectu had planned walkouts on Friday and Saturday over plans to privatise their division.

The BBC said staff involved in the sell-off had now received an improved offer from buyers Siemens. No Bectu spokesman was immediately available.

Further strike plans for 13 and 14 August remain in place, the BBC said.

The union has warned that this action could hit the BBC's coverage of the Olympics opening ceremony in Athens, which coincides with the dates.

The BBC said it had contingency plans in place to protect coverage

But the BBC has said it has "contingency plans" in place to prevent any programmes falling off air.

The dispute centres on plans to sell off the BBC Technology department to German engineering and electronics giant Siemens.

Bectu, the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union, wants guarantees over its members' working terms and conditions and pension arrangements.

John Varney, the BBC's chief technology officer, said Siemens had made an offer involving "periods of protection" over terms and conditions. The union is now due to ballot members on the offer.