Unions blame "external forces"

A nationwide postal strike, due to take place on Thursday and Friday will go ahead, the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) has confirmed.

The decision comes after more than 30 hours of talks between Royal Mail and the CWU this week.

Deputy General Spokesman Dave Ward said "we received a letter this morning which contradicted some of the issues we agreed last night".

Mr Ward accused Royal Mail's Mark Higson, Chief Executive Adam Crozier, and the Business Secretary Lord Mandelson of deliberately undermining the talks.