The UK's business secretary has claimed that the part-privatisation of Royal Mail could be delayed.

Proposals that would see Royal Mail become part-privatised are not set to be introduced for a while, it has been claimed.

Business secretary Lord Mandelson has claimed that efforts to sell a stake in the organisation are expected to be delayed as ministers look for a way to work it into the government's legislative programme.

In an interview with the Financial Times, he added that it is unlikely that the sale will take place before the House of Commons breaks up for the summer next month.

He said: "I want to retain the slot, but... I have to concede that the original linking of the legislative passage and the bidding process for the strategic partner has been decoupled."

The Communication Workers Union recently claimed that the sale of Royal Mail would make it a "second-class" service.

It has also been suggested that the move could lead to some site closures and lead many to seek post office alternatives.

Article Added: 29/06/2009 09:24:26