The current stand-off between the Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union looks set to intensify after leaked documents showed the firm's plans to modernise with or without the union on board.

According to a document obtained by the BBC, the Royal Mail is not prepared to back down in the ongoing row over jobs and pay and has drawn up a contingency plan which will see it go head-to-head with the CWU.

Dubbed the Strategic Overview, it outlines proposals to push ahead with its reforms and modernise the business, which bosses say is crucial.

However, Royal Mail officials said they didn't recognise the document, saying its contents are not a reflection of its strategy or position.

A similar paper obtained by the Daily Mirror, however, made similar claims, saying the firm was prepared to bypass the CWU if need be.

What it means for consumers is that there is a good chance of further posturing from both sides before any mail gets delivered.

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