Royal Mail: Staff are 'fighting for their livelihoods'

Royal Mail staff are "fighting for their livelihoods", a union secretary has said, after the government gave formal notice to the stock exchange that it plans to privatise the Royal Mail "in the coming weeks".

Steve Reid, Birmingham branch secretary of the CWU, told Phil Mackie that he expected a "massive 'yes' vote" in the strike ballot and that staff were "up for the fight".

Robin Carr, treasurer of the Birmingham branch, warned that customers in rural areas could see a decline in service, as shareholders seek increased profits.

Earlier, Business Secretary Vince Cable said the move would help ensure the long term sustainability of the six days a week, one-price-goes-anywhere universal postal service."