Mail union fearful over closures

Unions have accused the Royal Mail of having a "hidden agenda"

Union leaders have accused the Royal Mail of planning to shut 13 sorting offices by stealth with the loss of up to 5,000 jobs.

The Communication Workers' Union is balloting members on strike action over the closures.

Mick Cavanagh from the union said he believed there was a "hidden agenda".

But Royal Mail chairman Allan Leighton denied trying to keep the closures quiet and said they were necessary to make the business more efficient.

'Efficiency drive'

Sorting offices in Coventry are among the centres earmarked for closure.

Mr Cavanagh said: "People don't realise on a piecemeal basis Royal Mail is closing centres like this one in Coventry... the effect is going to be enormous.

"I believe there's a hidden agenda, on a national basis, on the number of mail centre closures around the country and people need to know what's going on."

Mr Leighton said: "We don't do things by stealth, if we did it hasn't worked. There are a series of closures planned... it's part of how you become a more efficient operation."

New figures show the Royal Mail delivered more than nine out of 10 first- and second-class letters on time this summer.

A study revealed that 93.4% of first-class mail was delivered by the next working day and 98.8% of second-class mail was delivered within three working days after posting.