Supply chain managers are ditching Royal Mail in favour of electronic document services as the postal service faces a national strike next week.
According to the "Supply Management" website more than a third of buyers of goods and services are considering leaving Royal Mail because of the planned industrial action.
Of the buyers surveyed, 37% are looking to switch to another postal supplier. Supply Management says a number of purchasers have already abandoned Royal Mail, citing poor service and uncompetitive pricing.
But 63% are not looking to switch as they said they do not use postal services very often anyway, and they are now looking to step up their use of email and other electronic services.
Many items traditionally distributed by post, like staff payslips and invoices, are now being sent electronically, said respondents.
The Communication Workers Union has warned Royal Mail that a national strike will start next Thursday (22 October).
