Union leaders and Consignia managers have edged towards an agreement over pay, sparking hopes that a national postal strike can be averted

A deal offering "significant increases" to 145,000 Royal Mail workers over the next 18 months could be finalised within days.

Forum Response: Communication Workers Union

John Keggie, deputy general secretary of the Communication Workers Union, told ePolitix.com: "The threat of industrial action has receded significantly. I hope we will be able to finalise an agreement by the end of the week. That will then be put to a ballot of our 145,000 Royal Mail members.

"There is still some work to be done before the dispute could be considered over, however. As well as tying up a final form of words on the pay issue, I want to address related issues, such as job security assurances."