UK Postal strike could mean death for small firms

Business leaders today voiced concern about the prospects of a postal strike as 160,000 workers started voting on whether to take industrial action in a row over pay.

Talks aimed at resolving the dispute broke down last night, with the Royal Mail accusing the Communication Workers Union of “going backwards” and asking for more money.

The union said the Royal Mail had treated workers with “total contempt” as the attempted peace talks at the conciliation service Acas ended with the two sides further apart then ever.

The British Chambers of Commerce said today it was “very concerned” at the threat of a national strike.

Policy adviser Matthew Knowles said: “A cheque arriving in the mail on time can mean the difference between life and death for a company, especially a small firm.

“We hope that a stoppage can be averted and, if not, the Royal Mail’s contingency plans can take up the slack.”

Using other postal services would be costly for firms, who would have to seek alternatives if industrial action went ahead, said Mr Knowles.

“Both sides should reflect on the effects that a strike could have on people’s livelihoods and make every effort to come to an agreement.”

There were no plans for further talks and the union was pressing ahead with its ballot, with voting due to end on September 17.

The union would have to give seven days notice of any strikes, which could start just a few days before Labour’s annual conference gets under way in Bournemouth.