National postal strikes could cost small businesses anywhere between £500 and £5,000, a poll by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has shown.
In a survey of over 1,200 small businesses, nearly half (46 per cent) estimate the postal strikes could cost them between £500 and £5,000. In the run up to Christmas, one of the most crucial times of year for a small business owner, four out of ten said that they could lose trade (42 per cent) and 40 per cent said that their business reputation could be damaged.
Half of small firms are considering leaving Royal Mail but feel they are held to ransom because alternative carriers are too expensive and do not meet their needs. The FSB is urging Royal Mail management and the Communications Workers Union to reach an agreement as soon as possible so small firms can get back to business.
Ken Moon, Federation of Small Businesses Wessex Regional Chairman, said:
“National postal strikes have a devastating impact on already struggling small businesses. The wildcat strikes across the regions have already cost small firms dearly, with many predicting the cost to their business reaching several hundred pounds, but these national strikes are having a much more damaging impact.
“FSB research shows that more than half of small firms rely on Royal Mail to send over 80 per cent of their business post, and 40 per cent are concerned about the loss of trade and the loss to their reputation these strikes will cause. Almost half said they could lose anywhere between £500 and £5,000 over the course of the national strike action, which comes at one of the most important times of the year for any small business owner – Christmas time.
“Small firms rely on the Royal Mail to send their business post but they are caught in a classic Catch-22 situation with many considering deserting Royal Mail because the service is unreliable, but at the same time are unable to afford alternative carriers. The FSB is urging both sides to come to an agreement immediately.”
