The postal strikes that have crippled the UK’s direct mail and e-commerce businesses have been called off in an 11th hour interim deal between Royal Mail and the Communications Workers Union (CWU).

The two parties last night agreed to the temporary agreement which will see no further threat of further strike action in the run-up to Christmas.

Key figures from the direct mail and marketing industry have voiced concerns about the effect ongoing postal strikes are having on their businesses.

Fresh strike action continues today as talks between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have yet to reach an agreement.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is going to the High Court to stop Royal Mail using temporary workers to clear the post backlog caused by the strikes.

Royal Mail had planned on hiring 30,000 temporary workers to deal with the backlog of post, especially direct mail, and insist it’s within the law. However, the CWU believe it can clearly show that Royal Mail is breaking employment law.

Postal service consultancies are advising direct mail users to switch to a Royal Mail competitor supplier to avoid delays because of next week’s strike days.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) confirmed yesterday that nationwide postal strikes will begin on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd of October, with consultancies advising brands to change suppliers to one of the five competitors: TNT Post, UK Mail, Citipost, DHL and UPS.

The government is refusing to intervene in the escalating dispute between Royal Mail and the postal workers’ union over modernisation plans, despite calls by the union’s chief to do so.

The strike, which would badly affect direct mail and marketing services, could happen in the next few weeks unless the situation is resolved.