THOUSANDS of postal workers across the UK have taken strike action in the lead-up to Christmas. 

Staff at Royal Mail picketed on Thursday across the country including postal workers at Shirley and Bitterne Manor in Southampton.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute between the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Royal Mail over pay, jobs, and working conditions. 

Picket lines have appeared across the county including Shirley, Bitterne, and Winchester.

READ MORE: Strikes by Royal Mail workers, lecturers and teachers on same day

Union representative for the Hythe delivery office, Barry Adams, 38, said that only one employee went to work out of the 48 staff members.

He said: "The morale today was robust. We are upset with the CEO's actions and we are continuing to picket.

"Only one person broke the line and went to work today and considering we have 48 staff members it shows you how much solidarity there is."

Further strike action will take place on Friday with the last strike this month taking place next Wednesday.

Next month the union members will be walking out on December 9, 11, 14, 15, 23, and 24.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook