More walkouts in the post: Royal Mail faces industrial action after talks with union collapse 

Royal Mail is facing further strikes after talks with union bosses collapsed yesterday.

The company said despite 11 months of discussions with the Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents around 115,000 postal workers, no agreement had been reached.

A source said further walkouts were almost guaranteed, following the 18 days of strike action last year.

Royal Mail said: ‘We are deeply concerned that our talks with CWU have concluded without an agreement. We made substantial efforts to reach an agreement.’

Royal Mail said it had increased its offer for workers to a 10 per cent pay rise over three years, with a lump sum of either £500 or £1,500.

The CWU said it would consider ‘all available options’ regarding its next steps.

If a deal is not reached the 507-year-old postal service could be placed into administration.

The Department for Business and Trade said it was ‘monitoring the dispute closely’.

They added: ‘The industrial relations dispute is a matter for Royal Mail, who are a private company, and the Communication Workers Union to resolve.’

Thompson has also been accused of ‘intentionally or inadvertently’ misleading MPs while communications regulator Ofcom is currently investigating Royal Mail over claims it has breached its legal obligation to deliver letters six days a week.