Posties across the county are to go on strike today with a picket set to be held outside one of the main delivery offices.

The strike action comes after members of the Communication Workers Union voted to walk out in what’s being called “the biggest strike of summer”.

Members will picket at various locations throughout the country - with Dorset members doing so outside Weymouth’s delivery office.

This will be followed by further strike action on Wednesday 31st August, Thursday 8th September and Friday 9th September.

The decision follows the union’s recent ballot for strike action over pay, which saw members vote by 97.6% on a 77% turnout to take action.

The union is demanding that Royal Mail Group make an adequate pay award that covers the current cost of living increases for our members.

CWU General Secretary Dave Ward said: “Nobody takes the decision to strike lightly, but postal workers are being pushed to the brink.

“There can be no doubt that postal workers are completely united in their determination to secure the dignified, proper pay rise they deserve.

“We can’t keep on living in a country where bosses rake in billions in profit while their employees are forced to use food banks.

“When Royal Mail bosses are raking in £758 million in profit and shareholders pocketing in excess of £400 million, our members won’t accept pleads of poverty from the company.

“Postal workers won’t meekly accept their living standards being hammered by greedy business leaders who are completely out of touch with modern Britain.

“The CWU’s message to Royal Mail’s leadership is simple – there will be serious disruption until you get real on pay.”

On days in which there is strike action, Royal Mail has said they will not be delivering letters but rather prioritising special delivery, Tracked 24, Covid test kits and prescriptions.

A spokesperson for the Royal Mail said: “We want to reassure you we will do everything we can to minimise disruption and get our services back to normal as quickly as possible.

“Royal Mail has well-developed contingency plans, but they cannot fully replace the daily efforts of its frontline workforce.

“We will be doing what we can to keep services running, but customers should expect significant disruption.”