Royal Mail have released the interim agreement reached with the Communication Workers Union with the help of Brendan Barber. The company said that the agreement is on all key issues the same as that discussed last month with the union. Royal Mail said it is clearly very pleased that the CWU has now decided to accept the agreement.

Royal Mail’s statement issued yesterday evening is set out below and the agreement is attached.

Mark Higson, Managing Director of Royal Mail Letters, said: “I’m delighted for our customers and our people that we’ve got back to a sensible agreement with the CWU that will allow us to deliver a great Christmas while getting on with vital talks about the long term future of Royal Mail - and allows us to drive forward with the essential modernisation of Royal Mail in the new year.

“We look forward to positive and constructive discussions on the next stage of Royal Mail’s modernisation plan, which is key to the future of the company, all those who rely on it, and to the future of the Universal Service.”

Mr Higson added: “I’m extremely grateful to Brendan Barber for the tremendous help and support he has given over the last few weeks. I’d also like to thank all those who have worked so hard to minimise disruption and to keep the mail moving for our customers.”