Royal Mail is asking households to post Christmas cards and parcels in plenty of time as it faces its busiest period of the year combined with the threat of more industrial action by staff.

The postal service, which publishes final posting dates for mail that needs to reach its destination before December 25, is set for more disruption after union CWU announced further strike dates that now include December 23 and Christmas Eve.

In a message on its website it is urging customers 'to beat the festive rush' and send parcels and packages in plenty of time- particularly if trying to reach destinations abroad.

Alongside being Royal Mail's busiest time of the year - communication workers' union CWU has confirmed plans for six further strikes as it continues its long-running dispute with bosses over pay, jobs and working conditions.

This is in addition to the next wave of walk outs already scheduled for November 24, 25, 30 and December 1, which also clash with popular shopping dates Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

For international deliveries, the cut-off for parcels to Australia and New Zealand this year is December 1 while letters travelling to European neighbours in Belgium, France and Luxembourg have the latest posting date for international mail of Wednesday, December 14.

Cards and parcels making their way across the UK have until Monday, December 19 if being sent by 2nd class and Wednesday, December 21 if customers wish to use 1st class post according to Royal Mail's current final posting dates - albeit those wishing to catch this late should take into account scheduled strike action now listed for December 23 and 24.

And for those last minute or forgotten items - Thursday, December 22 and Friday, December 23 are currently available for Special Delivery services or Royal Mail's tracked 24 service.

Barcoded stamps

People posting their Christmas mail are also being advised that now is a good time to use up any remaining stamps that don't carry the new-look barcode on the front.

Barcoded stamps must be used on all letters after January 31, 2023 - giving households just a few weeks to send off any old-style stamps before the deadline.

Royal Mail, which says it is is keen to ensure no customers are left out of pocket by the change is also able swap non-barcoded stamps for their barcoded equivalent free of charge for customers who don't think they will use up the 'definitive' stamps in time.

Customers can continue to use Special Stamps issued on a theme or to commemorate special events and non-barcoded Christmas stamps, as these will continue to be valid for postage. These also cannot be swapped for barcoded stamps, says the postal service.

David Gold, Director External Affairs & Policy added: "Many of us have stamps kept in drawers and wallets, or in a tray on a desk or tucked away on the mantlepiece. With Christmas approaching, now is the perfect time to use them up. If that is not possible, customers are invited to swap them for barcoded stamps of the same value, completely free of charge."