Post jobs under threat

Describing the strikes as ‘reprehensible,’ Mr Tomlinson warned postal workers that if they didn’t accept Royal Mail’s changes, they would be doing themselves out of a job.

“This strike is helping neither customers, staff, nor the strategic aims of the organisation.

“All it is likely to achieve is the continued demise of Royal Mail,” said Mr Tomlinson.

“These strikes are reprehensible. They are harming business, harming the community, and harming the Post Office itself.”

Tim Hale, of Chamber member business Champion Hire, said: “The effect of the postal strike on local small businesses is most obvious with the cheque’s-in-the-post excuse for non-payment or delayed payment.

“However, what is perhaps equally important is that without being able to actually deliver the goods to customers, or to receive purchases from suppliers, business will be unable to get to the point of seeking payment at all.

“The arrival of the post is an essential part of a normal working day.

“Its disruption will have a serious knock-on effect to most businesses in the region.

“The dispute needs resolution as a matter of urgency,” added Mr Hale.

His company specialises in the hire of small plant tools and equipment to the building, construction, civil engineering and allied industries.

n A war of words flared after the breakdown of the latest talks. Royal Mail chief executive Adam Crozier accused a union of talking “cobblers.”