News

Independent postal operator UK Mail warns the threat of strike action by Royal Mail postal workers will jeopardise the entire sector's future. Concern is growing among carriers dependent upon Royal Mail's delivery network that customers may see looming action by Communication Workers Union (CWU) members as evidence that mail can no longer be relied upon. It may therefore have ramifications beyond the government-owned postal service's customer base.

UK Mail, which relies on Royal Mail for  its 'final mile deliveries' says it has prepared contingency plans in the event of action. It is in daily contact with Royal Mail to try to minimise its impact. But MD Steve Patrick says: "The real issue here is the threat it poses to mail as a medium. New media is growing and these days statements are made electronically, rather than through the post. Clearly, action might make customers think again about reliability and efficiency of mail."

He adds: "I think it's a great medium, but it has to have certainty of supply. If that gets [compromised] of course customers will go down other routes. The other threat to Royal Mail is it could encourage end-to-end users." A CWU spokeswoman says its members want a pay rise in line with inflation they have rejected a 2.5% deal. A series of walkouts will be held by 130,000 CWU members, including around 500 drivers, unless new talks can lead to a breakthrough in the dispute.