The Royal Mail is to create 1,000 new jobs over the next four years at its Parcelforce parcel delivery service.
The jobs will be created at a new parcel processing centre in Chorley, to open in Autumn 2013, new depots in Cornwall and Hampshire, and the expansion or moving of nine other depots.
"Our strategy is to convert the rise in parcel volumes into profitable growth. That means becoming a much more customer-focused company being run on commercial lines and investing in new, vital technology," said Moya Greene, Royal Mail chief executive.
Employment Minister Mark Hoban said: "It is great news that 1,000 new jobs will be created across the country as a result of this investment. We've now got a record number of people in employment and these jobs will provide welcome opportunities for people who are looking for work."
Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: "In truth, this project has already been several months in the making and CWU is involved in talks about how and where these jobs will be created, including the possibility of people transferring from other parts of the group where jobs are being lost.
"These jobs will go some way to easing the impact of jobs lost elsewhere in the company as huge changes are brought in to address the altering profile of mail. Working with the CWU, Royal Mail - unlike many private mail companies - has created good quality, and secure jobs with decent pay, terms and conditions."
Royal Mail has cut around 65,000 jobs since 2002.