Royal Mail and CWU reaches pay deal 

Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have agreed on an “in principle” deal over pay and employment terms, potentially ending a year-long pay dispute. 

The deal is set to be considered by the union’s executive before being voted on by members, with details expected to be released next week. 

The union had been at loggerheads with Royal Mail over pay, jobs and conditions. Last year, there were several walkouts, including during the Christmas period. The deal was reached after talks earlier this month collapsed, and the CWU pulled back from announcing fresh strikes. 

Royal Mail said the strikes had cost the company £200m in lost business and covering striking staff, warning a return to industrial action could result in the postal service going into administration.