Postal workers have voted 9-1 in favour of strike action in a row over jobs and conditions.

A Communication Workers Union spokesman said: "We are fighting against unacceptable attacks on jobs and services at a time when the company is performing well. Strike action is a last resort for our members who can ill afford to lose wages. However these cuts and the way managemnet wants to impose them are so serious our members have voted for strike action. A decision on dates for industrial action would be taken shortly, but it hoped to avoid taking strike action.

Royal Mail say that the changes are necessary in London due to mail volumes continuing to drop by 10% each year. The company says a national agreement was signed by the CWU in 2007, in the presence of the TUC, and has been implemented throughout the rest of the country.

Meanwhile Business Secretary Lord Mandelson insists that the Government will not falter in it's plan to sell a stake in Royal Mail to the private sector, inspite fears that it might be defeated in the House of Commons.