NI postal staff strike over pay

Postal workers on strike in Belfast

Thousands of postal staff across Northern Ireland have taken part in industrial action over pay and plans to restructure the business.

Customers were still able to use Post Office branches in Northern Ireland, but disruption was caused to the sorting and delivery of mail.

Special delivery packages were also affected.

General Manager Michael Kennedy said the Post Office had been doing all it could to keep disruption to a minimum.

"Royal Mail's advice to customers is to try and avoid posting mail on Friday, or if that's not possible, to post early in the day at one of Northern Ireland's 540 Post Office branches, all of which will be open," he said ahead of the strike.

Londonderry postal worker Garvan Kerr said that he was not striking because of the below inflation pay offer from Royal Mail.

"I'm not worried about pay at all - I'll take the 2.5% tomorrow - wouldn't cost me a thought," he said.

"It's the 2.5% with the strings attached that's the danger."

Royal Mail said it had made a single collection from every Post Office branch.

Special delivery items posted on Friday, 29 June will be guaranteed for delivery on Monday, 2 July.

Parcelforce Worldwide guaranteed that its services were not affected.

Customers can find updated information on Royal Mail's website at www.royalmail.com/update or using their customer helpline on 08457 740 740.