BBC News
watch One-Minute World News
Languages
Last Updated: Tuesday, 19 February 2008, 10:23 GMT
Australia allows 'podgy posties'
Australia's postal service has raised its weight limit for new recruits to attract a wider range of applicants.

The 90kg (198lb) weight limit had been introduced to allow the service's 110cc Honda motorbikes to carry a "postie" plus 40kg (88lb) of mail.

Following talks with Honda, Australia Post decided the bikes could safely carry a heavier driver.

Unions said the move showed the service had been unable to attract enough lighter applicants.

Union representative Michael Etue told the Associated Press news agency that he would not make the weight limit himself.

"We're getting a lot of women riding and Asian people - who are a lot lighter (than average Australians) - but Australia Post cannot meet the demand," he said.

Australia Post spokesman Scott McIntyre denied recruitment problems but acknowledged that the new limit would allow more people to apply.

Honda approved the new limit after tests showed the extra weight "would not have any significant effect on the stability, handling or safety of the 110cc motorcycle", he told Australia's Daily Telegraph.

Unions are reportedly unhappy with the move.

They fear the new limit could mean workers will be unable to carry as much mail - leading to overtime work to ensure deliveries.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Has China's housing bubble burst?
How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire
Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific