A postal firm has announced it is to invest in training schemes to improve its parcel to Australia services.

Australia Post is ploughing some 20 million Australian dollars into growth areas such as parcels, logistics, retail and digital services.

Australia Post chief executive officer and managing director Ahmed Fahour said the Future Skills investment - will equip the company's staff with the skills needed to cope with a changing economy.

He explained that letter volumes are in decline, while parcel deliveries are increasing as online shopping grows.

The comments come as the latest IMRG/Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index revealed that online shopping in the UK is booming – as June saw a 20 per cent year-on-year sales revenue increase.

The investment comes just a few months after Australia Post announced a business renewal programme. The inititiative is aimed at moving the firm's focus onto retail, eServices and parcel areas.