I despair at the Royal Mail. A business that needs to modernise is in the stranglehold of its management and the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

As the battlelines are drawn (dialogue is combative not constructive) for the strike later this week businesses are looking for alternative means of getting post and packages to their customers.

Kelkoo published data last week that said online retailers would be among the worst affected with losses expected to reach £220 million.

Amazon has reportedly sought alternative services. Online retailers such as espares, Figleaves, Firebox and Lovefilm are preparing alternative arrangements. TNT wants to set up a rival postal service.

Neville Hobson has an incredibly sensible call to action:

“Messrs Hayes and Crozier, get yourselves into a room together and don’t come out again until you’ve solved this. While you’re talking, no strike.”