CWU in 'constant negotiations' over Royal Mail DB scheme future

A CWU spokeswoman said the independent review of the postal services sector – chaired by Artilium chairman Richard Hooper – could determine the responsibility the government has regarding the deficit of Royal Mail’s DB scheme when it is published at the end of the month.

She said union representatives met this week to discuss the "continued attacks" on the postal service and the conditions of its workers.

And she noted the CWU was still in "constant" negotiations with Royal Mail over the fate of its pension scheme, which was closed to new entrants on March 31.

She said: "It is still a very live issue. We have been calling for this review. It will provide a firm ground, a definitive position. This will be significant to what happens to pensions."

Employees who joined Royal Mail after April 1 will qualify for a defined contribution plan once they have completed one year of service – and the firm will launch a new plan in April next year.