THOUSANDS of people across Dorset and Hampshire could be affected when more than 800 postal workers across the country go on strike from today (Tuesday).

Technical workers employed by Romec at places including Bournemouth, Southampton, Poole, Dorchester and Salisbury, will strike until 6am on Friday, the Communication Workers Union has announced.

Royal Mail however said that it was "confident" that letters would continue to be delivered as the staff involved all work in technical grades including electronic security and buildings maintenance engineers.

Dave Ward, deputy general secretary of the CWU, said that proposed changes to staff working practice were "completely unreasonable" and called on Romec to change its mind.

He said: "Despite talks at Acas last week Romec still wish to give managers the ability to compel individuals to attend at unsocial hours and on Saturdays.

"This dispute could have a massive impact on the rest of the mail network next week as Royal Mail sites depend on these workers to maintain machinery and buildings."

Ray Ellis, CWU lead negotiator, said the moves threatened family lives and earnings.

He said: "The CWU remains committed to obtaining an agreement which meets genuine customer requirements and gives members maximum flexibility.

"This must include proper reward for working weekends and unsocial hours and must have at its heart the voluntary principle. Those who do not wish to commit to these hours must be properly protected."

The CWU has not ruled out further strike action at this stage he added.

Mike Sparrow, managing director of Romec, said that it was changing engineers' working hours to "meet customer needs".

He added: "Steps are being taken to ensure minimum disruption to our customers' business and a robust contingency plan is in place."

A Royal Mail spokesman added that it was working closely with Romec to ensure back-up services for its entire mail operation.