AROUND 100 postmen and women walked out on strike this morning (April 1) at Bridgwater Delivery Office - but they have now returned to work.

According to the Communication Workers Union (Bristol & District Branch) - which represents 3,000 Post Office and Royal Mail staff across Bristol, Somerset and the South Gloucestershire area - workers were protesting about the dismissal of a colleague with 26 years of service, who was due to retire in a matter of weeks.

The postman had been dismissed for poor attendance but colleagues say that his health conditions were not taken into account and that the process was not followed, the CWU added.

A CWU representative commented: "Serious concerns have been raised by postmen and women at Bridgwater Delivery Office regarding the sacking of a long-standing member.

"We are working with the employer to resolve members' concerns, so that a return to work may take place."

The CWU released an update this afternoon, which confirmed that the Bridgwater postal workers had now returned to work, and so normal service would resume.

The Mercury has contacted Royal Mail for comment.

Staff previously walked out from the Delivery Office, in Friarn Street, in November 2020, over the dismissal of a young postman which the CWU argued was unfair.

READ MORE: Postal workers go on strike from Bridgwater Delivery Office in dismissal row