Postal strike 'could affect tax returns'

Date: 8th October 2009

Britain's postal workers have voted to launch national strike action over their employment conditions, in a move that could result in many self assessment tax returns arriving late.

The result of the ballot was released by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) today (October 8th), with the strike attracting 76 per cent support.

Many workers have already engaged in localised industrial action, following news that mandatory salary and job cuts might be imposed on the postal service by the Royal Mail.

The "paper" deadline for self assessment tax returns falls on October 31st, with all forms received after this date subject to a £100 fine.

However, most taxpayers who plan to file a paper form retain the option of filling in an online tax return, which carries the later deadline of January 31st.

CWU deputy general secretary, Dave Ward, said: "This is a huge vote of no confidence in Royal Mail management.

"The company has tried to make out that problems only exist in some local offices, but postal workers across the UK have now spoken and they say no to Royal Mail's arrogance."

Writing for the BBC earlier this week, accountant Chas Roy-Chowdhury advised those planning to file their tax returns on paper to take the industrial action into consideration.

"I would suggest that you allow sufficient time in the first place so that the sporadic postal strike occurring around the country does not delay your return," he added.