UK Royal Mail refuses to increase pay offer

Royal Mail said yesterday that it would not increase its pay offer to London staff despite a 24-hour postal strike in the capital on Wednesday. The company is offering £3,784 per year in London living allowance to workers in inner London and £2,667 per year to those in outer London, a rise of £300. The Communication Workers’ Union has rejected this offer and is demanding £4,000 for all London staff.

Royal Mail said: “Negotiations on pay have concluded, the offer is the final offer.” But the company said it was prepared to meet union leaders , although nothing had been scheduled. Postal staff were back at work yesterday and tackling a backlog of post that could last five days. The CWU said no decision had yet been taken on further industrial action.