A nationwide postal strike in Britain will go ahead on Thursday and Friday.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) says it will begin at 0400 BST.
The dispute is over pay, conditions and modernisation plans at Royal Mail.
The CWU has said it will also announce further strike dates - which are expected to be revealed on Thursday afternoon.
Mail centre staff and drivers will strike on Thursday while delivery and collection staff will do so on Friday.
Royal Mail has condemned the strikes which it said were "wholly unjustified".
The BBC reports the union's decision to go ahead with the strike came after more than 30 hours of talks with Royal Mail this week.
MPs were told earlier this week that contingency plans for delivery of hospital appointments and medical test results have been drawn up if the strikes continue for a prolonged period.
The BBC also reports the Ministry of Defence may charter extra aircraft to ensure troops get their Christmas post.
Scottish contract lost
Royal Mail has lost public contract in Soctland. The Scottish government awarded an £8 million contract to a private company, TNT, to deliver mail for 89 public bodies.
A £17 million first-class mail contract was awarded to Royal Mail but the second-class service was won by TNT.
The Scottish government said the deal would save £2.95 million per year.
