BCC research suggests three-quarters of UK firms are considering dropping Royal Mail as their postal services supplier in response to the threat of a national strike.

A study of 250 companies by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has found that almost 90% are concerned about the planned postal strike and 75% are looking elsewhere for a more reliable service.

Steve Hughes, economic policy adviser for the BCC, told Sky News: "The results of this survey are quite explicit. Businesses are very upset by what's happening and they're worried about how it will affect their services.

“All they want is consistency. That means the Royal Mail providing a service they can rely on and at the moment they can't do that."

Last week, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) announced that postal workers had voted 76% in favour of a national strike, although no date has been set for the action.

Small suppliers are concerned that postal strikes could mean further delays to payment, increasing the strain their cashflow.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2009