Royal Mail confirms Appeal Court upholds injunction against CWU strike action

The High Court ruled that a postal ballot of Royal Mail employees by the Communications Workers Union (CWU) for industrial action was "unlawful"and prevented any industrial action being taken before the completion of a lawful ballot.

Royal Mail claimed the vote for action, supported by 97% of workers, was invalid as members had been encouraged to open their voting papers at work before they had been delivered to their homes.

Lord Justice Males said the union "did not intend to do anything unlawful" but ruled the ballot as unlawful all the same.

Shane O'Riordain, the group's managing director of regulation and corporate affairs, said: "Royal Mail is pleased that the Court of Appeal has upheld the High Court's decision to grant an interim injunction against CWU meaning that no industrial action can be taken before the completion of a lawful ballot. This decision still stands."

O'Riordain said the FTSE 250-listed firm did not take the decision to go to the High Court lightly and that it sought to reach a resolution outside the courts.

"We want to reach agreement. As previously announced, we have written to CWU to say we want to enter into discussions without preconditions," he added.

"Following this offer, we are hopeful that we can now follow on with meaningful discussions with the union to resolve this dispute."

As of 0830 GMT, Royal Mail shares were down 1.06% at 215.40p.