Further talks are expected to be held today in a last-ditch attempt to avert a two-day postal strike.

The Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union have held 28 hours of talks over the past two days to reach an agreement.

Business Secretary Lord Mandleson has now become embroiled in the dispute after describing the strike as "self-defeating". He's been accused of stirring by CWU leaders and Labour backbenchers.

CWU general secretary Billy Hayes says Mandleson is misrepresenting facts to Parliament and undermining any progress being made.

But the business secretary says that if the strike does go ahead, businesses will quickly turn to the internet.

Online delivery Parcel2Go isn't affected by the proposed strikes and is a reliable alternative to the Royal Mail.