More than 115,000 UK postal workers will walk out in the next few weeks.

Strikes will be held on August 26 and 31, and September 8 and 9. Members voted by 97.6 per cent on a 77 per cent turnout to take action, as reported by The Guardian.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said it is demanding a "dignified, proper pay rise".

The union said a proposed two per cent pay rise would lead to a "dramatic reduction" in workers' living standards because of soaring inflation. It said postal workers were being pushed to the brink by the rising cost of living.

The Royal Mail said the CWU has failed to engage in any meaningful discussions around modernisation or come up with any alternative ideas.

The Guardian quoted Ricky McAulay, operations development director at Royal Mail, as saying: "The CWU rejected our offer worth up to 5.5 per cent for CWU grade colleagues, the biggest increase we have offered for many years. In a business that is currently losing £1m a day, we can only fund this offer by agreeing the changes that will pay for it."

The Royal Mail said it had contingency plans in place for the strikes and will work to minimise disruption for businesses and households.