Two thousand postal workers in Glasgow have returned to work after an unofficial strike over a change in operational procedures.

Staff at Glasgow's main delivery centre in Springburn and workers at nine of the city's 33 delivery centres walked out in protest.

The action delayed an estimated 500,000 items of post on Thursday.

Consignia said the dispute involved a small number of staff who were deemed surplus to requirements.

About 500,000 items have been delayed

The unofficial action began on Wednesday when about 20 staff working on late shifts walked out and workers failed to turn up for early shifts.

The move followed a change in procedures which were agreed by the Communication Workers Union (CWU), but which left a number of junior staff unhappy.

The union had been calling for its members to return to work.

The decision to call off the strike was taken following a workers' meeting on Thursday afternoon.

Consignia said it was relieved that the action was over and apologised to customers for any inconvenience.

Same wages

It said that the delayed items were being processed ready to be sent out on Friday.

The company said that about 75 workers affected by the change had been offered other jobs for at least the same wage.

They were also offered positions within "reasonable" travelling distance, according to a spokeswoman.

The delivery offices affected by the action were for the postcodes starting: G1-4, G21-22, G32-34, G44, G51, G67-68, G72-73 and G76.