Talks aimed at resolving a long-running dispute at Royal Mail have ended without agreement.
The company has been meeting the Communication Workers Union (CWU) to try to reach a deal over pay, jobs and conditions.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: “After 11 months of talks, including mediation by Sir Brendan Barber and Acas, we are deeply concerned that our talks with CWU have concluded without an agreement.
“We made substantial efforts to reach an agreement, including making a number of further improvements to our offer.
“These improvements were all based on feedback from the CWU, and we were hopeful that the CWU would put a deal to its members.
“We remain committed to reaching an agreement with the CWU, but we have been clear throughout the dispute that not transforming our network and working practices is not an option in a business losing more than £1m a day.
“In the best interests of the business, our customers, and the job security of our postmen and women, change cannot be delayed any further.”
Royal Mail said it had increased its pay offer and extended the deal until April 2025.
A CWU spokesman said: “Negotiations between the CWU and Royal Mail Group concluded last night without agreement.
“The company advised the union that the directors who have been leading negotiations are no longer available and that the board will be meeting today to determine their next steps.
“There has been progress in several areas, and the union made it clear last night that we are willing to continue negotiations today and tomorrow to finalise an agreement.
“We will be consulting with the union’s postal executive later today and considering all available options with regards to our next steps.
“The company have published selected aspects of their latest offer directly to employees, claiming that the main sticking point is new entrants’ terms and conditions. This is not true.
“Our members have seen these actions throughout this dispute from the employer and they will not be fazed.
“We will engage with all union members on the status of the whole talks, explaining exactly where the differences are, including the unacceptable pressures being deliberately placed on postal workers through imposed revisions that are failing the quality of the postal service and of USO [universal service obligation] compliance.”
Acas director of dispute resolution Kate Nowicki said: “We are disappointed that talks between Royal Mail and the CWU have concluded without agreement.
“We will stay in touch with both sides and our conciliation service remains available to Royal Mail and the CWU if they wish to come back to the negotiating table in the future.”
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