A group representing small businesses has described the threatened postal strike next week as a "body blow" to their members in the lead up to Christmas.
Speaking after postal staff decided on a one-day stoppage next Wednesday, Mr Mark Fielding, chief executive of ISME said it was the "last thing small businesses need".
"It will have a serious impact. Many of [the firms] depend on the postal service to make and receive payment for goods and services."
Postal staff are taking the action in protest at An Post's decision to close its parcel delivery service SDS with the loss of around 450 jobs. The ballot was organised by the Communications Workers Union (CWU).
Calling on the Minister for Communications, Mr Dempsey to intervene, Mr Fielding said: "With many firms experiencing cash flow difficulties, any furthe
Mr Mark Fielding, chief executive of ISME
r delays in payments will have a negative impact on companies, their staff, customers and suppliers".
An Post has described the decision by the staff to work means pensioners, the unemployed and others dependent on social welfare payments will be inconvenienced.
The strike action was also condemned by the chairman of the Progressive Democrats Parliamentary Party, Mr Party Tom Morrissey, who described the action as "highly irresponsible and grossly unfair."