The current stand off between the Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union is putting small business under incredible strain in what are already difficult times.

That's according to the editor of GrowthBusiness.co.uk Nick Britton, who says that a nationwide walkout would have catastrophic repercussions for tens of thousands of firms.

The strikes which have taken place so far have already done significant damage to many small and medium-sized enterprises, which are having to deal with cash flow issues and tough trading conditions.

Mr Britton states that many businesses are likely to encounter many problems with regards to payments, with the old excuse of "the cheque's in the post" likely to be heard up and down the country as the chaos in the postal service continues.