New Royal Mail strike talks fail

The national postal strike will be the first since 1996

Fresh talks aimed at halting Friday's national postal strike have ended without any progress, according to the Communication Workers' Union (CWU).

A union spokesman said: "There was no new offer from Royal Mail, and no meaningful discussions."

He said the stoppage, the first in 11 years, would go ahead.

In addition to turning down the Royal Mail's 2.5% pay offer, the CWU fears the company's ongoing restructuring plans will cause up to 40,000 job cuts.

The Royal Mail counters that it cannot afford to offer any more money and needs to make itself more efficient.

CWU members voted for the strike action with a majority of 77% on a turnout of 60%.