Royal Mail to extend free doorstep parcel collection amid pay dispute

Company is trying to boost UK business as workers prepare for strike action that it says will push it into loss

Royal Mail has announced it will offer doorstep parcel collection for free until the end of the year as it tries to boost its UK business in the face of significant losses.

The service allows customers to arrange for a package being sent or returned to be collected directly from their home by a postal worker as part of the daily post round.