Coronavirus: Royal Mail workers offer to become 'additional emergency service' in fight against Covid-19 outbreak

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) also voted massively in favour of strikes in a long running dispute over job security and the future direction of the company.

With 94 per cent voting in favour of strike action.

It was the third time union members had voted in favour of strikes over a number of issues. The union secured a huge mandate for action last year but the Royal Mail staged a successful legal challenge to halt strikes.

The dispute involves more than 100,000 Royal Mail workers as well as Parcelforce employees.

The union held back from announcing strike dates and said it wanted to become an additional emergency service in view of the coronavirus crisis.

A statement said: ‘This represents a huge mandate both in support of their union but also in opposition to Royal Mail's attacks on jobs and services and its plan to turn the Royal Mail into just another glorified parcels carrier.

‘However, the CWU recognises that since we embarked on this ballot just two weeks ago, the growing health crisis is changing the language of priorities for our members and the country.

‘In recognition of the fact that Royal Mail Group is the only service that connects every address in this country via its universal service, something our dispute is seeking to protect, we have made a proposal to the company based on putting the interests of the nation first.’

The statement went on: ‘We want the public we serve, the government and shareholders to know that we want to set aside our differences with Royal Mail and subject to prioritising the health and safety of our members, we want postal workers to become an additional emergency service in the UK.

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‘Postal workers are embedded in every community in the UK. They are trusted figures. They are part of the social fabric of society.

‘It's time to utilise the companies unrivalled infrastructure and daily reach across every city, town, village and rural community, remembering that for a lot of people the only person they will see every day will be their local postal worker.’

It added: ‘If we can agree the introduction of the very best health and safety provisions and equipment that can guarantee our members safety, they will become an additional emergency service.’

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Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

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How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

How to get tested for Covid-19 in the UK

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

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What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS