Royal Mail workers are looking increasingly unlikely to strike over the Christmas period, following an apparent shift in position by the postal operator on pensions, pay and the length of working weeks.

Royal Mail released a report of recommendations made by Lynette Harris, who was called in to mediate talks between operator and the Communications Workers Union (CWU).

It said the mediation process allowed both parties to "better understand their respective positions" and, while recommendations made were not legally binding, framed further discussions between the pair.

In its own statement on Wednesday, the CWU said it was "clear [it] has successfully shifted the employer's position and secured the basis for a far better agreement".

It follows a ballot in October in which union members voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike at Royal Mail amid a dispute over pensions, pay and jobs.

The CWU was prevented from holding the strike, and moved into dispute resolution talks with Royal Mail, leading to Wednesday's report.

The publication called for the introduction of a collective defined contribution pension scheme with a defined benefit element for all workers.