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

Staff at Royal Mail picketed on Thursday, November 24 across the country including postal workers in Hampshire.

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 appeared across the county including Winchester, Romsey, Shirley and Bitterne.

Hampshire Chronicle: Bitterne Bitterne (Image: Hannah De Boltz, Newsquest)

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.

Hampshire Chronicle: Romsey Romsey (Image: Hannah De Boltz, Newsquest)

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