Post offices breathed a sigh of relief after planned Royal Mail strikes for the next two weeks were suspended due to a legal technicality.

One Post Office (PO) retailer reported strikes last month led to a “rapid reduction” in mail volumes, leading to reduced staffing hours and “a failing business” due to the recent industrial action. “Our total volume is down by 25%,” another branch owner claimed.

Planned walkouts by Royal Mail staff on 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10 November are cancelled, with negotiations between the CWU and Royal Mail continuing.

Royal Mail strikes could be fatal for post offices

The issues with mail volumes is said to coincide with drops in banking volumes due to banks introducing “banking restrictions” on amounts that can be paid over the counter.

One retailer told Better Retailing: “The pay cheques from PO are looking very light for many this month.” Another said it was their “lowest pay for two years’’.

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