Fears over cost of postal strike to smaller firms
Head of Membership Services, Philip Moody, says there could be serious consequences. "Smaller companies are likely to feel the pain of such strike action more acutely than their larger counterparts. For example, losing custom because goods are delivered late could have severe implications for them, because the money lost is a larger percentage of their profit." Daniel Edwards is the Manager of Anthony Stuart Jewellers in Bolton, Lancashire. He relies on an efficient postal service. "We often order goods or get repairs sent to us by post. When they are late, we lose custom, which costs us money. This strike is holding us to ransom because Royal Mail workers and their bosses can't reach an agreement. Why should we have to suffer?" The Communications Workers Union (CWU) has announced the 24-hour strike and has also agreed, but not announced, further strike days to occur within two weeks of 29 June. As a result, access to Royal Mail services will be limited to a single collection from both street boxes and Post Office Counters not affected by strike action. The collections may also be earlier than the advertised times. Mr Moody has some advice for concerned businesses. "Royal Mail will attempt to deliver Special Delivery items, but obviously this comes at a greater cost and Royal Mail has had to suspend its money-back guarantees during the strike. We are told that Parcelforce's guaranteed services will be unaffected. " Royal Mail has asked that, in order to minimise disruption to post, businesses should 'try to avoid posting on the day of the strike, and post early in the day if you have to'. It recommends that businesses 'post mail at Post Offices not affected by strike action, but be aware that they will not be able to accept bulk mailings.' A business helpline - 08457 950 950 - has been set up, but is expected to be very busy. Mr Edwards doesn't think it will prove much consolation to his business. "We get parcels going missing all the time and, when we call the information lines, we very rarely get a satisfactory explanation. When we do, it quite often takes more than a day to resolve." The FPB has also criticised the CWU for calling the strike. Mr Moody said: "Many workers in smaller businesses would be pleased with the 2.5% pay offer that has been put on the table by Royal Mail. The union seems to be resistant to the modernisation of the company, which needs to change to meet the needs of a changing market."