UK postal strike ‘could close firms’

Entrepreneurs across London are warning their businesses may go bust if the postal strike continues, reports the BBC. The article continues:

BBC London has been contacted by a number of owners who are unable to send goods or bills as disputes over pay and job losses continue.

Web gift shop owner Kate Knight said: “I worked 16 hours a day for years building my reputation – I fear the strike will put me out of business.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said they were “concerned” about the strikes’ impact.

There have been on-off strikes since 19 June which have intensified in recent weeks.

But Knight fears time is running out for her shop, Personal-e-Yours.

“I’m spending several hours every day answering emails from customers asking where packages are,” she said.

“In the last couple of weeks alone I’ve had to refund £200 to customers who haven’t received their order.

“I’ve had to turn orders down as I’m unable to guarantee arrival. I wake up in the morning dreading my emails.

“If there were other options I would never use Royal Mail again.”

Frank Merritt, who runs Carvery Cuts, a vinyl record-making company based in Hackney, east London, said: “My business relies on the stability and reliability of the postal service.

“After three months of strikes it is time for these actions to end. One word – selfish. Enough is enough.”

And Antonia Hawke, who owns London-based online business The Pro Makeup Shop, said: “My costs now run into hundred-plus pounds which we cannot afford.”

Hawke, who described herself as “desperate”, added: “None of us are interested who blames who – we just need a service we are paying for.”

Stephen Alambritis of the Federation of Small Businesses said: “The timing is unfortunate, as businesses are just beginning to pick up.”

Paul Tolhurst, Royal Mail’s operations director, said: “We are concerned strike action is damaging service quality and we urge the Communication Worker’s Union (CWU) to abandon their totally unjustified strikes and get back to delivering customers’ mail.”

A CWU spokeswoman said: “Strike action is an absolute last resort and we feel for people affected by the strike.

“We would urge them to put pressure on Royal Mail to come to agreement.

“Some of Royal Mail’s plans would be of detriment to small businesses.”