The postal strikes look set to cause chaos for the debt management of millions of people, as payments towards store cards and credit card debts arrive late.
Industrial action taken by workers at the post office means that for many people, repayments towards their consumer debts will arrive late and they will receive fines and punitive action as a result.
Two-day strikes planned by members of the Communications Workers Union (CWU) look set to cause even further chaos than planned, as only a few hundred of the 30,000 temporary workers employed to plug the gap will be able to start work.
Barely a quarter of those hired will be allowed to start work next week, as most of the temporary workers have not been fully vetted – so cannot handle mail – which means that more debt problems may arise than first thought.
Ivan Cooper, Chairman at debt advice specialists Chiltern, said: “Many innocent people will be affected by the industrial action of the postworkers, especially those who are trying to get out of debt.
“Late payments usually carry a punishment from lenders, and these strikes could mean that many people who are struggling with debt problems get even further into financial trouble.”
The strikes are over postal worker’s pay, working conditions and the modernisation of the business.
Steven Reid, Birmingham district branch of the CWU, said the way workers had been treated by Royal Mail was “appalling”, adding: “People are saying we are against modernisation but we are not. More than 60,000 jobs have gone from this business in the last five years in agreement with the union.
“That’s not a union against modernisation. What we want to do is get Royal Mail fit for the 21st century, but it’s got to be through agreement, not dictatorship or imposition.”
For people who are worried that their debt problems may be affected by the postal strike, you should seek impartial debt advice from a reputable organisation.
Reputable debt help organisations include Hamilton Locke, Chiltern and The Debt People.
For immediate advice on debt management and a range of professional debt solutions, please call the telephone number at the top of this page.