11 posties suspended by Royal Mail in North West for going to pub for cup of tea on their break

Eleven postal workers in the North West were reportedly suspended by Royal Mail for having a cup of tea at a pub on their break.

The move caused major disruption to postal services, with some locals reportedly receiving their mail more than a week late. One claims they had missed two hospital appointments due to post not being delivered. .

It is understood three Merseyside postal workers - based at the Prenton Delivery Office - have now been reinstated but the controversial action has led to major disruption to postal services in the Oxton and Prenton on the Wirral, reports the Liverpool Echo.

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The suspension action was reportedly taken after postal workers were found to have visited the Caernarvon Castle pub in Prenton on their break - though regular Ian Harris said he only ever saw them drinking tea and coffee there. Mr Harris said the posties were given a pot of coffee and a pot of tea and allowed to use the toilet facilities and “freshen up,” adding: “There wasn’t any alcohol whatsoever used and we the regulars liked to see them."

Following complaints from residents, local politicians, including Birkenhead’s MP Mick Whitley, have slammed Royal Mail management for their handling of the situation. The company declined to comment on internal affairs but apologised to those experiencing delays.

Mick Whitley, MP for Birkenhead, said he was told by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) that 11 postal workers had been suspended but three had now been reinstated. He said the hearings for the remaining eight had taken place and they are awaiting an outcome.

He said: “I wrote to the local management on July 20 and