Over 20 million postal items are backed up in London alone due to ongoing strike action, it has been claimed.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has claimed that over 20 million parcels and mail messages are backed on in London due to ongoing strike action.

According to the body, which organised the latest round of industrial action, the mail backlog is not bigger than it was at the height of the national strike two years ago.

Other areas that have been badly hit by the strikes including Bristol, Peterborough and Leeds, which suggests that a number of people may be forced to seek post office alternatives for their parcel delivery needs.

Dave Ward, deputy general secretary of the CWU, said Royal Mail's approach to the problems was best described as "head in the sand".

"Royal Mail needs the backing of postal workers to make the company successful and make change work. We want them to see sense and negotiate agreements which make change work for the company, staff and customers," he added.

Services in areas including Carlisle, Coventry and Birmingham have also been affected by strikes this week.

Written by Rob Elliott

Article Added: 10/09/2009 09:25:29