Post talks fail to end deadlock

Talks aimed at resolving the bitter postal workers dispute have ended without agreement dashing hopes of an end to mail disruption.

Officials from the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Royal Mail managers met for eight consecutive days to try to reach a deal in a long-running row over pay, jobs and pensions.

Some progress was made at the talks, held under the chairmanship of TUC general-secretary Brendon Barber, but the negotiations ended with the row still deadlocked.

Up to 130,000 members of the union walked out on a fresh 48-hour strike following another two-day stoppage last week which has crippled mail deliveries.

The union announced more industrial action from next Monday, threatening further disruption to mail services.

Mr Barber said: "I am very disappointed that this phase of intensive talks has not resolved the dispute when real progress has been made, and we have been edging towards an agreement."

He added: "I will be keeping in close touch with the CWU and Royal Mail to continue to seek to find a way forward".

The Royal Mail said it was "hugely disappointed and extremely concerned" that the talks had not resolved the dispute.

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