Postal workers to discuss return to work

Postal workers in the North are to decide this afternoon whether or not to return to work in the wake of the Red hand defenders statement that they are to stand down.

The group, which is a cover name for the UDA and LVF, has issued threats against postal workers and Catholic teachers.

Police chiefs are now briefing the workers.

Spokesperson for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Tom Gillen, said statements might not be enough to dispel the fear amongst workers.

The UDA leadership had told the Red Hand Defenders to disband within 14 days or face what it called "the circumstances".

In a statement, the UDA also told the Red Hand Defenders to lift their threat against Catholic postal workers and teachers.

One of the men who was being questioned in connection with the murder of postal worker, Danny McColgan, has been released without charge.