Daniel McColgan: Postman was shot as he arrived for work

The Communication Workers Union said the police had advised the man to stay away from the Waterside, even though they did not think it was a paramilitary threat.

The police said the postman had been alerted to the threat.

Union spokesman Charlie Kelly said the postman volunteered to work in the Waterside after some of his colleagues were reluctant to work in the area.

'Very worried'

It is understood no codeword was given in the threat, although the man was named.

Mr Kelly added they had been told the threat was not made by any paramilitary organisation but the postman was still very concerned for his safety.

We will try to do everything we can to get the threat lifted but would urge staff to return to work so that the service to the public can be restored

Consignia

"Although the police said they don't think it is paramilitaries, because there was no codeword given, as far as I know there was no codeword given last month when threats were issued three weeks ago against postal workers throughout Northern Ireland."

A statement by Consignia said they understood the concerns of employees, but were disappointed that unofficial industrial action had been taken.

"We will try to do everything we can to get the threat lifted but would urge staff to return to work so that the service to the public can be restored."

Assessment

Postal workers returned to work last month only after receiving a police assessment of a threat issued by the Ulster Defence Association using the cover name Red Hand Defenders.

The UDA initially used the cover name when admitting it had murdered Mr McColgan as he arrived for work in Newtownabbey early on 12 January.

But it later admitted the murder, and four days after the killing ordered the Red Hand Defenders - the name being used by an element in its own ranks - to stand down.

A statement issued 24 hours later said members of the Red Hand Defenders would stand down.

Postal deliveries were suspended for two days following Mr McColgan's murder and rallies were held across the province in protest at the threats, which were also made against Catholic teachers in north Belfast.