There are reports today that the Communication Workers Union(CWU)is taking legal action to try and stop Royal Mail employing 30,000 temporary workers to help in the run up to Christmas.

They have been recruited in double the usual numbers, to help clear the backlog of letters caused by last week’s walkouts.

While Royal Mail is insisting these temps will not carry out the roles of permanent staff members, the CWU claims the recruitment drive could be illegal during legitimate strike action.

It’s understood there is still a backlog of 5 million letters and parcels left undelivered following last week's disruptions.