It comes as members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union began their latest strike, whilst physiotherapists in England and Wales also voted to go on strike in a dispute over pay and working conditions, in a move announced by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Royal Mail staff across the country, including at the busy Leeds Mail Centre, mounted picket lines outside sorting and delivery offices. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Royal Mail have held talks in recent weeks but the row remains deadlocked.
Here are pictures from the Leeds Mail Centre, Stourton, as the industrial action began.
7. Royal Mail strikes
Royal Mail has brought forward the final posting dates for Christmas cards because of the industrial action. The new last posting dates for arrival for Christmas Day are: 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For – December 16. Special Delivery Guaranteed – December 21. Photo: Danny Lawson