Today's action will be followed by another strike tomorrow.

The national postal strike has begun today and Royal Mail workers have mounted picket lines outside mail centres across the UK.

Talks aimed at securing a last minute agreement to avoid the action did not bare fruit and staff have started the first of two 24-hour periods of industrial action, meaning those needing to send parcels from today will require the services of an alternative parcel delivery firm, such as Parcel2Go.com.

Up to 42,000 drivers and mail centre staff are taking part in today's strike, with a further 78,000 following suit tomorrow.

The union is expected to announce details of further industrial action taking place next week.

John Cridland, deputy director general of the Confederation of British Industry, said the failure to reach a breakthrough was "deeply disappointing".

Richard Adams-Mercer, director of Parcel2Go.com, says the Royal Mail is essentially shooting itself in the foot by not doing more to avert the strikes.

"Royal Mail is a national institution and I don't want to see it dig its own grave. But if it continues to hold up deliveries around the country, that's exactly what will happen and businesses like Parcel2Go will benefit from its demise," he stated.

Written by Sarah Gower


Article Added: 22/10/2009 09:18:44