Talks aimed at resolving a long-running dispute between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union have ended without agreement.

The two sides have been negotiating for 11 months over pay, jobs and conditions for the 112,000-strong workforce.

There were 18 strike dates called last year and 2023 has seen the union and Royal Mail attempt to make progress at Acas, with former TUC general secretary Sir Brendan Barber also joining the effort to deliver peace this month.

But a Royal Mail spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday talks were over, with no deal.

They added: "We made substantial efforts to reach an agreement, including making a number of further improvements to our offer."

Those improvements had included two pay options with a 10% rise structured differently over three years, along with a bonus of either £500 or £1,500, a promise to retain allowances, a "significant" profit share arrangement, and later start times.

"These improvements were all based on feedback from the CWU, and we were hopeful that the CWU would put a deal to its members.

"We remain committed to reaching an agreement with the CWU. We have been clear throughout the dispute that not transforming our network and working practices is not an option in a business losing more than £1 million a day.

"In the best interests of the business, our customers, and the job security of our postmen and women, change cannot be delayed any further."

The CWU secured a fresh mandate for industrial action in mid-February and would have to give seven days' notice of any fresh walkouts.

A spokesman for the union said: "There has been progress in several areas, and the union made it clear last night that we are willing to continue negotiations today and tomorrow to finalise an agreement. This offer has been reiterated to the company this morning.

"We will be consulting with the union's postal executive later today and considering all available options with regards to our next steps.

"The company have published selected aspects of their latest offer directly to employees, claiming that the main sticking point is new entrants' terms and conditions. This is not true.

"Our members have seen these actions throughout this dispute from the employer and they will not be fazed.

"We will engage with all union members on the status of the whole talks, explaining exactly where the differences are, including the unacceptable pressures being deliberately placed on postal workers through imposed revisions that are failing the quality of the postal service and of USO (universal service obligation) compliance."