PLANNED strikes by Royal Mail workers could have a massive impact on local retailers in the build-up to Christmas, industry officials said yesterday.

Royal Mail staff have voted to take strike action over job security and working conditions.

They voted three to one in favour of taking nationwide action, with 61,623 of 80,830 voters saying they wanted to strike.

The postal service operator condemned the plan to strike as ‘deplorable and irresponsible’, saying it would drive away customers and undermine confidence in the postal service.

That view was backed up locally, with retailers saying they have no option but to look for an alternative postal provider.

Fletcher’s Freesias owner Mark Fletcher said the timing could not have been worse.

While recent regional walkouts by Royal Mail workers had caused some problems, he said, an official strike would be very damaging to his business.

‘Obviously if there is a total walkout, that will have a very serious effect,’ he said. ‘But it’s also the timing of the potential strikes.’

Mr Fletcher said the island’s postal flower operations were working as normal at the moment.

‘We are making enquiries into alternative carriers because people are losing confidence in Royal Mail. Loss of trade, loss of confidence – maybe it’s better to go with another operator who is reliable, even if they are more expensive.’

Healthspan chief executive Derek Coates echoed those comments.

‘The proposed national strikes by the Royal Mail are yet another example of Royal Mail shooting itself in the foot,’ he said.