AN internal investigation by Royal Mail found there was ‘regular racist abuse’ at an East Lancashire sorting office for a number of years.

Ex-postie Abdul Musa, from Burnley, has won an estimated six-figure payout after being tormented by racist abuse and intimidation at Blackburn’s Canterbury Street sorting office.

But an employment tribunal, heard in Manchester, uncovered ‘widespread discrimination’, which management seemed powerless to prevent.

The role of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) once the racism allegations emerged, has also been questioned.

Private notes of an independent investigation into Mr Musa’s claims, first raised in 2006, were passed around and strike action was proposed in support of a postman sacked for racist abuse.

The role of former Burnley Council leader Stuart Caddy, a senior CWU official, was also questioned by investigator Neil Donovan.

Mr Donovan said there was evidence of ‘collusion’, breach of confidentiality and intimidation of witnesses.

The tribunal also heard that an Eid card was passed around the office bearing the message ‘Happy P*** Xmas’, signed by several employees.

Staff diversity training had been given by Royal Mail as far back as 2004 but the tribunal said this proved to be ‘ineffective’.

The employment tribunal report names 14 postal workers who were disciplined as a result of the case.

Four postal workers – Christopher Eccles, Gary Almond, Paul Dolan and Chris Gooden – were dismissed.

Suspensions were also initially imposed on colleagues Jimmy Melia, Dave Pickup, Dave Ashcroft and John Whittaker although Pickup’s was overturned on appeal.

Serious warnings were given to Paul Allen and Dave Fitton and reprimands to Dave Bell and Roy Davidson.

Two managers, Martin Seedall and R Khan, said to have allowed the racist abuse to take place, were also downgraded.