Up until now, we have been lucky enough in Sheffield to have not been effected by the recent postal strikes, however a radio news report at the beginning of the week stated that the strike could soon become national. What would this mean for UK businesses that rely on Royal Mail to deliver their products and invoices?

Like many businesses, at TransAction Translators we depend on the reliability of the postal service to deliver our product, certified translations, and to send invoices to clients. Non-certified translations can be delivered by email, however those which require a certification are for the most part required as a hard copy with original stamps and signatures.

Some official bodies, such as the GMC (General Medical Council - http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/registration_applications/join_the_register/s3_p9.asp) often will accept a scanned copy of the certified translation by email, however the majority, including the Passport Office, require original copies.

We have been reading on the BBC news website about the devastating effects the postal strikes have had on businesses in London. Reputations are being ruined as businesses are unable to deliver their products, and some businesses are having to give refunds for orders which haven’t arrived: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8277206.stm.

Let’s just hope that Royal Mail and its workers come to an agreement soon…