POSTAL workers in Swindon are determined to carry on with a 48-hour nationwide strike, even if it costs them their homes.

A small group of employees gathered outside the Royal Mail sorting office in Dorcan today to protest at cuts to overtime allowances and shift changes.

From noon a series of 48-hour strikes began, which they claim could cost the Royal Mail £1bn.

More than 130,000 postal workers are supporting the strike, which has been co-ordinated by the Communication Workers' Union.

Brian Street, a 50-year-old from Coleview, finished his night shift before joining the picket line at Dorcan.

He said: "The most important thing is that this is not about the pay deal.

"If you offered most workers around the country 2.5 per cent they would take it without a second thought.

"It's a generous offer compared to most industries, but that is a tiny issue compared to the changes for overtime.

"We are losing the right to do extra shifts and they want to bring start times forward to make the service better for business.

"It means we can't maximise our earnings and pay mortgages and other bills. I don't have the ability to pay my rent so I'm facing being evicted.

"But that won't stop me expressing my support because the management has to get the message that things aren't right.

"We have managers who don't listen properly to your queries but still collect their bonuses.

"If there is no money for overtime how can they afford the £20m to build the super-depot?"

Mr Street was referring to the extension of the Dorcan centre that is due to start on Monday.

Other sorting centres, including the Reading depot, will be closed as a result.

Richard Whitty has worked at Dorcan for eight years and suspects the renovation work will not apply to his department.

The 58-year-old from Nythe said: "We have had problems with something as basic as a broken chair and it has taken weeks to sort.

"They say there will be a modernisation but the tools we use are not really different from 100 years ago.

"I agree that this is purely about conditions, and we are resolved to carry on so that the public can see what we deal with.

"If a manager came into your workplace and said the hours would be changing and you couldn't earn any more overtime, you wouldn't be happy, would you?"

There will be a second 48-hour strike starting on Monday morning.