The standoff between the Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) continues, as two more 48 hour strikes are organised for the 5th and the 8th of October.

"Small firms rely on royal mail services to do business, and get hit in the pocket every time post is held up. Estimates suggest that each postal strikes costs the UK’s small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) £2.5 million through delayed post," stated Natalie Evans, Head of Policy for the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC).

The dispute is centred around the Royal Mail’s pay offer and modernisation plans. The Union claims that the 2.5% increase will not bring workers’ pay in line with the industry average, and that the plans for modernisation will result in up to 40,000 job losses.

The Royal Mail feel that increased competition within the industry requires them to make major changes to their organisation.