Date: 9 October 2009
IMRG Press Release: Royal Mail Strike
IMRG regrets the announcement that Royal Mail postal workers have voted to take strike action over job security and working conditions again this year.
However, we anticipate that this will actually prove to be less of a problem as the online retail industry has been able to put in place contingency plans with other carriers and promote alternative fulfilment solutions – such as ‘click & collect’ -.
James Roper CEO of IMRG stated:
“A pattern is emerging - postal strikes in the run-up to Christmas. With mail volumes diminishing, you might expect the postal union to appreciate the huge opportunity that the e-retail industry is trying to give to Royal Mail - large volumes of new business. Sales expectations for the fourth quarter 2009 if in-line with current year on year growth figures would be £15.5bn, generating more than 100m parcel deliveries per month.
Royal Mail management's excellent work to engage the digital world risks being undermined by this action. Sadly, yet again, consumers seem set to be left to pay for other's self interest”.
IMRG encourages all retailers to ensure they have clear messaging regarding their delivery options available to the consumer and provide realistic notification of any limitations or delays.
IMRG’s recommendation to consumers is to always look out for the IDIS (Internet Delivery Is Safe) Trustmark on retail sites which indicates that the retailer takes great care to ensure excellent delivery services and options. Visit www.imrg.org/isis and www.imrg.org/idis to see a list of the hundreds of retailers who are part of the IDIS scheme.
About IMRG
IMRG (Interactive Media In Retail Group) is the industry body for global e-retail. Formed in 1990, IMRG is setting and maintaining pragmatic and robust e-Retail Standards to enable fast-track industry growth, and facilitates its community of members with practical help, information, tools, guidance and networking. The strength of IMRG is the collective and co-operative power of its members.
For further information please contact:
David Smith – Director of Operations
Office - 020 7189 5533
Mobile – 07970 237 078