hi everyone an thank you all for your replies.
Firstly I would just like to clarify that I was given this holiday. It wasn't requested because no one else had requested it and as such there was space available. I have not taken a weeks holiday off someone who may of wanted it.
I stated in my previous post that I was actually doing everyone a favour as my working partner and also our main cover were off on holiday at the same time and so me working has actually helped the office a lot.
I was worried about everyones comments about how it goes against union policies etc etc and as such I contacted my CWU rep to clarify the position as I did not want to get my manager into trouble or myself. And they confirmed that so long as I did not go over the 70 hour working week agreement then there was no reason for me to not work during my holiday and be paid my standard 30 hours holiday pay plus any overtime. This was also clarified by my CWU rep to my manager.
Some of your have said its selfish, but in actual fact its not. Being able to work while on holiday that I have been given makes sue that I get my family to a good point especially with christmas just around the corner.
Yes I have lost a weeks holiday entitlement but this is my choice and i have not been pressured in to it. Also my CWU rep read some of the comments and stated that if that was the case with being hissed at etc etc then the Union would have asked for disciplinary action be taken against those individuals. Perhaps this "old boy" in the royal mail is outdated and perhaps that attitude is what is causing it to be dragged down.
To another point that was raised about doing things by the book... 1) I always turn up early and on my frame in good time to assist my partner ensuring we are out on time and i do this freely and do not get paid for it. 2) In all the time I have worked for Royal Mail I have only ever had about a 5 minute break simply because we do not have time for one however and 3) I wear what I am given to do my job correctly.
I love my job and serving my customers however if I am given the opportunity to make twice my weekly wage for helping my colleagues and my office then i'll do it to help my family.
Thnaks to everyone who posted positive comments and the private messages of support they were greatly appreciated.