Here is the full text of the Royal Mail's statement today.
"Royal Mail is hugely disappointed that the Communication Workers Union (CWU) has announced a series of 24-hour strikes over a two-week period beginning at 7pm on Wednesday July 25 2007 and ending at 12 noon on Wednesday August 8.
"This phase of the industrial action amounts to two further 24-hour strikes which hit different Royal Mail sites at different times.
"We are currently assessing the likely impact on mail services, but we have well-developed contingency plans in order to reduce the effect of the strike and keep disruption to our customers to a minimum.
PLANNED INDUSTRIAL ACTION MONDAY JULY 23 in NORTHERN IRELAND
"The CWU previously announced a 24 hour strike in Northern Ireland only, starting at 7pm on Sunday July 22 and continuing through Monday July 23.
STRIKE ACTION AT CROWN POST OFFICE BRANCHES
"Separately, the CWU has also announced strike action at all Crown Post Offices in the Post Office Network, today, Thursday July 19, between 6am and 12 midnight. Please note, this action does not affect the 14,000 plus sub-post offices nationwide.
"We will continue to update this website regularly and you can also sign up to receive email updates. email updates."
http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/content1?catId=1000002&mediaId=53000708
Unfortunately, this strike is likely to disrupt distribution of FPJ, both in the UK and overseas and we apologise for any inconvenience during this difficult period.
