POST Office staff are planning to strike again this week in an ongoing dispute over closures and pay.

The Post Office is looking to close or offer out to franchise 76 Crown Post Office branches to save money Workers fear the move will lead to job losses,a further concern for the Communication Workers’ Union, which is also concerned staff at main post offices have had no pay rise since 2011. The changes would affect the post office in Town Square, Basildon, and the one at the Laindon Shopping Centre, off High Road, Laindon.

The Post Office says both branches are running at a loss, but has promised both will stay open, regardless of whether a company can be found to take on the franchise.

Staff are expected to strike from 2pm on Thursday and all day on Saturday.