Britain's postal network has begun the first in a series of strikes, according to union officials.
A number of walkouts will be conducted over the next two weeks affecting homes and businesses across the country.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said strikes had begun with night-shift centre workers last night and said the action was being supported with over 98 per cent of employees taking part.
CWU general secretary Billy Hayes said postal workers had previously shown their resilience to strike and lose pay to protect their jobs.
"It shows how determined workers and the union are to stop Royal Mail management from destroying this public service," he said.
"The strike will continue for the next two weeks unless Royal Mail return to meaningful negotiations".
Royal Mail says it is disappointed at the stance of the CWU, but insists that it has well-developed contingency plans designed to keep disruption to a minimum and reduce the effect of the strikes.
