Royal Mail hopes talks with CWU union can deliver | Business

Hopes are growing that there will be a breakthrough in the dispute between the Royal Mail and unions.

Talks will take place this week between the mail operator and the CWU about going to Acas, the arbitration service.

Royal Mail has said it may have to cut up to 10,000 jobs from a workforce of 115,000 as losses mount.

The CWU claims Royal Mail is imposing a below-inflation pay deal of 2 per cent on workers, with potential further increases of up to as much as 5.5 per cent if workers agree to changed terms and conditions as the company tries to introduce more automation in its parcels sorting offices.

Royal Mail said this month that the dispute had tied its hands as it tried