Royal Mail’s union talks end in failure

Talks aimed at resolving the long-running dispute between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union over pay, jobs and conditions have ended without agreement.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “After 11 months . . . we are deeply concerned that our talks with the CWU have concluded. We made substantial efforts to reach an agreement, including making a number of further improvements to our offer.”

The improvements were based on feedback from the CWU, he said, and the company hoped hopeful that the CWU would put a deal to its members.

He added: “We remain committed to reaching an agreement with the CWU. We have been clear throughout the dispute that not transforming our network and working practices is not an option in a business