Talks on to avert postal strike

Union officials and Royal Mail managers at a Stoke-on-Trent sorting office will be meeting in an effort to avert a strike over the Christmas period.

Members of the Communication Workers Union at Burslem are threatening to walk out next week over the decision to suspend some of their colleagues.

The company said earlier this year 12 staff were suspended on full pay over allegations of bullying and harassment.

The two sides were expected to meet to discuss the details on Friday.

Three of the suspended workers have been protesting their innocence, saying they had not been told what the exact allegations were.

Royal Mail said all the cases were being handled according to strict guidelines, and all staff had the right to appeal against the decisions.

Staff at the sorting office have held a series of strikes stretching back over the last 12 months.