BALLOT papers have been sent out to postal workers in Warrington as the national pay dispute moves one step closer to a strike.

The result of the ballot will be announced in September and union chiefs say they hope to see a 'yes' vote for industrial action triumphing.

Carl Webb, regional secretary for the north west branch of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), said: "We are trying to get management around the table for a conversation but at the moment they are not taking the union or members of staff seriously."

The ballot papers were dispatched last Wednesday as talks broke down between the CWU and management.

Royal Mail has offered a package that it says equates to a 14.5 per cent pay increase, but union representatives argue that they are being asked to agree to a three per cent rise this year and 1.5 per cent next year - with the possible loss of 30,000 jobs.

Adam Crozier, Royal Mail chief executive, said that the business had lost £611million last year.

He added: "Royal Mail remains committed to coming to a sensible and realistic deal. When the CWU is ready to talk sensibly and realistically we are ready to talk at any time."