POSTAL workers are being “insulted” by their bosses after apparently being issued with ‘fancy-dress’ masks instead of proper PPE, it has been claimed.

A Royal Mail worker contacted their councillor alleging they had been issued with the masks, which say 'non medical' on the label.

On the label for the masks, manufactured by Dongguan City Dan Dan Garments, it says they are for “fashion, dress up and party (non medical)”

The knitted cotton masks also have “Royal Mail Group” stitched into the front.

A Royal Mail Spokesperson said: “The health and safety of our people is our number one priority.

"The re-usable face coverings we have issued comply with relevant safety regulations.

"Royal Mail underwent a rigorous selection process to pinpoint the most suitable face coverings for our people.

"Samples from each supplier were thoroughly assessed against relevant product safety requirements related to the use of face masks in the workplace during the coronavirus pandemic.

"The selected face coverings also passed a number of tests to ensure the highest quality and effectiveness for our people.

"Colleagues can also choose to wear a disposable face covering or visor if they prefer and these are available on request.”

The incident came to light in Malvern Link in Gloucestershire.

Cllr Sharon Taylor said: “As a town councillor, I was horrified to discover that our local posties were last week given protective face masks that were made in China and only designed for 'fancy dress' .

“They even had the audacity to put the Royal Mail name on the front.

“This is an insult by management to frontline postal workers putting their lives at risk.”

Cllr Taylor added that the union had been in contact with the management to try and resolve the situation.