British junior doctors have called off their two day strike slated for January 26.

The decision came as union leaders continue talks with the government over a bitterly-disputed contract.

The strike could have affected thousands of operations and procedures because doctors planned to provide emergency care only.

The dispute between the government and junior doctors has escalated in recent months. Last week, about 50,000 doctors walked off the job in protest of government plans to change pay and work schedules. It was the first walkout of its kind over the past 40 years. The National Health Service postponed 4,000 routine treatments due to the strike.

The NHS is the fifth largest employer in the world, providing health care which is largely free at the point of delivery. It is widely respected in Britain, with pollsters YouGov rating it the institution which the most people view positively.

Doctors say the changes would weaken restrictions on their working hours and so affect patient safety.

The British Medical Association said earlier "significant progress" is still needed to avoid a strike planned for Feb. 10.