9 October 2007
Banking body APACS has warned consumers that a "knock on effect on finances" might result from the ongoing Post Office strike.
Worried about pay conditions and the future of the service, postal workers will be on strike for a total of five days across two separate actions by the end of this week - with millions of items left undelivered in sorting offices nationwide.
The delay will affect payment of some utility and credit card bills - and might trigger a rash of penalty fees from banks as a result.
Commenting on the strike, the APACS statement read: "Although your bill may not arrive in the next few days, you shouldn't assume that payment isn't due within the normal timescale."
"Anyone who is due to pay a bill by cheque in the post during the strike should check they are not going to miss a payment deadline and be penalised as a result."
Failure to meet the monthly minimum payment on credit cards leads to a £12 fine from most banks.
A future resolution being reached between Post Office bosses and the workers' union remains distant, with the strikers rejecting a pay offer of 2.5% last week.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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