About 70 postal workers have gone on strike at Canterbury's sorting office in a dispute over staffing.

Dozens of Royal Mail employees have gathered outside the office in Military Road after six postmen were reportedly suspended from their deliveries by managers this morning.

One relative of a worker, who did not give their name, says the dispute has been brewing throughout the week.

He said: "There were six or seven staff who were unable to complete their duty because they had been given extra work but didn't have enough time to do it.

"They were then suspended and taken off their deliveries by the management this morning.

"Other staff at the office caught wind off this and walked out today."

The office's safety representative Richard Harrington confirmed about 70 staff were involved.

"We have come out because six postmen were suspended from their deliveries this morning," he said.

"We are going to negotiate over what is going to happen with the suspended staff."

A postman who did not want to be named said: "If there wasn’t an over-time ban then people would get their mail on time but it stays at the depot.

"It’s counting the pennies but losing the pound."

Another added that there is constant pressure from managers.

"The postmen have to complete their deliveries or they will be suspended," he said.

"It compromises their safety because they have to get it done. Anything could happen to them if they’re rushing.

"People went in today with legitimate answers and the bosses still suspended them."

Royal Mail spokesman Sally Hopkins apologised to customers.

She said: "Royal Mail is disappointed that unballoted industrial action is taking place today involving some members of staff at Canterbury delivery office.

"We apologise to our customers in the CT1-4 postcode area in Canterbury for any disruption to their mail services.

"We are doing all we can to minimise this disruption and have drafted in extra resource to support our staff who are continuing to work.

"Our customer service point at the delivery office is open as usual.

"Royal Mail is fully committed to the process of trying to resolve concerns of postal workers based in Canterbury by following the national jointly agreed framework with the Communication Workers Union (CWU)."