International marketers planning to mail into the UK are urged to double-check Royal Mail delivery times, as a national strike among postal workers is looming.

Emergency talks are being held today to avert the action by Communication Workers Union members, but unless a deal with employer Royal Mail can be done within 24 hours, it is likely there will be a stoppage in sorting and deliveries from as early as Monday. Local, sporadic strikes have already created a back-log of post around the country.

The lengthy dispute is over implementation of efficiency plans, pay and working conditions – although both sides agree modernisation is necessary for the future of Royal Mail, which is up against increasing competition from rival postal companies and the use of email over letter post.