Postal strike talks remain deadlocked

Frantic talks to end the wildcat postal strike continued as the head of Royal Mail pledged to take a more "hands on" role in the dispute.

Bosses and union leaders remained deadlocked during the fourth day of negotiations aimed at resolving the unofficial walkouts crippling mail services across the country.

Royal Mail chairman Allan Leighton warned that an escalating "war of words" between the two sides was in danger of getting out of hand.

"We shouldn't be trying to score points off each other," he told PA News following talks with union leaders. "We are in danger of losing sight of what this is all about.

"I apologise to customers for the disruption. I am going to take a much more hands-on approach to tackle the problem."

His promise came after Communication Workers Union general secretary Billy Hayes attacked the Royal Mail for not taking the negotiations seriously and putting a "very low level manager" into the talks.

He said: "It can be resolved if Royal Mail put their senior managers in to resolve it. It doesn't sound like they want to.

"It sounds like they just want to make political capital and bully and intimidate their workforce."

The Royal Mail said it was ready to take legal action against CWU activists accused of orchestrating the unofficial strike. "This remains an option, but I would prefer to use the power of persuasion," said Mr Leighton.

The firm also admitted spying on striking workers to collect evidence of any activities provoking unlawful industrial action. Roger Baynes, head of operations for Royal Mail, confirmed video was being taken and said it was 'responsible management' aimed at ensuring safety for workers.

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