Half the UK’s small companies are planning to look for an alternative postal service after the chaos caused by the recent bout of Royal Mail postal strikes, according to a survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce.

According to the study 88% of firms said their business had been hurt by the industrial action and 55% now intend to seek alternative providers.

The BCC claims 62% of small businesses were forced to find alternative ways of sending and paying invoices due to the unreliability of Royal Mail.

“This survey really hammers home the damage that this dispute has done to Royal Mail,” said Natalie Evans, head of policy at BCC.

“Small businesses rely on a decent post service and have been let down badly over the past few weeks,” she added. “It will not be easy for Royal Mail to regain their confidence.”