POSTAL workers have been told they don't have to deliver election literature for 'fascist and racist' political parties.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has implemented a national policy that allows staff to decide whether to deliver pamphlets ahead of the local and European elections on June 10.

Coun Stuart Caddy, Labour leader of Burnley Council, is a postman and a CWU representative. He said that some postal staff in Burnley had already indicated they were not prepared to deliver the material - and have the full backing of the union.

He said: "Already one or two workers have said they are not going to take BNP literature but there will be no comeback from managers.

"It's national policy, backed by the union, but it's down to individuals.

"We give full support to any members who don't want to deliver such literature."

David Jones, regional press officer for the BNP, said: "This does not apply to the BNP. No election material sent out by the party encompasses the legal definition of racist and fascist.

"If any Royal Mail employee seeks to take advantage of the clause and says they will not deliver BNP material, they could be in breach of the clause and in a position of gross misconduct with their employers."

A national spokesman for the CWU said: "There is an agreement with management at the Royal Mail that they will be sympathetic towards people who have objections to particular types of political literature.

"At no point is the BNP mentioned. It only states that it is in relation to fascist and racist organisations."

A spokeswoman for Royal Mail said: "Parties have a legal right to have a leaflet delivered as long as it is legal literature. However, we recognise that staff may have strong feelings about the delivery of some election mailings."