Retailers fear that bargain hunters will shun online shopping over the crucial Black Friday week, while eBay's UK boss thinks it could be the 'nail in the coffin' for many already struggling under a weight of rising costs.
Fears of disrupted deliveries could force more bargain hunters towards stores rather than online shops.The eBay marketplace said a survey of its small business members showed that half saw the impact of the Royal Mail walkout as"disastrous" for demand.eBay's UK general manager, Murray Lambell, warned:"The UK boasts one of the world's most sophisticated ecommerce economies, with small businesses thriving by scaling up their retail operations online.
Michelle Ovens, founder of Small Business Britain, said:"Small businesses are under incredible pressure right now, with every area of business under strain and cash-flow a huge problem. "We need to be doing all we can to support these businesses to recover and grow, and minimise obstacles where possible, not place them under further duress.
It claims the terms on offer would turn Royal Mail into a"gig economy-style parcel courier, reliant on casual labour".It has sought to be excused its requirement for letter deliveries on Saturdays and wants to be able to deliver more profitable parcels seven days a week.Royal Mail's parent firm IDS says that without a deal, it could carve the UK operation from IDS and has threatened thousands of job losses on top of 6,000 already out for consultation.
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