CWU welcomes the announcement made by John Hutton on Monday that there will be a government review of competition in the postal market. 

Billy Hayes, general secretary, said: “This is a crucial review which will help to shape the future of the postal sector in the UK. The CWU pressed for a commitment to a review of the effects of liberalisation as part of the Labour Party manifesto and we are delighted that the government are honouring that commitment. The CWU has also continued to consistently campaign for that review and CWU will be taking an active role in this review. 

"High on our list of issues are the effect of downstream access, the universal service obligation which currently disproportionately burdens Royal Mail, and the role of Postcomm which has proved disappointing.

“This review must address the needs of customers, workers and mail businesses to ensure that the UK has an effective and successful publicly owned postal service and efficient postal sector. The future of the postal service is fundamental to the British public and economy and this review is an opportunity that cannot be missed.”