STAFF at Melksham and Trowbridge post offices were due to join national strike action this afternoon in protest at job losses, the closure of a final salary pension scheme and the franchising of Crown Post Offices.

Members of the Communication Workers Union plan to strike for five days this week, including Christmas Eve.

And the union, which will stage a demonstration outside the headquarters of the Business Department in London, has claimed there was strong backing for its campaign from the public.

General secretary Dave Ward warned that the future of the Post Office was at risk because of the policy of franchising services from Crown offices to retail firms such as WH Smith.

He accused the management of rejecting a peace offer and warned of a continuing closure programme which would mean that the Post Office will cease to exist in high streets.

Post Office group network and sales director Kevin Gilliland said: "Any action will affect fewer than 300 of our branches, and many of these will be open to maintain services for customers preparing for Christmas.

"It will be business as usual in almost all of our network, with over 50,000 Post Office people on hand to support customers as they make their preparations for Christmas."

The dispute does not involve the Royal Mail, whose workers sort and deliver post.

As in most disputes, some workers not involved in the row could refuse to cross picket lines.

Strike action is due to begin in Wiltshire after 12.30 today.

British Airways cabin crew who belong to the Unite union are also due to strike on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in a row over pay, although talks were being held at the conciliation service Acas today.

Talks were also being held tomorrow to try to avert pay strikes later in the week by Unite members employed by Swissport as baggage handlers and other ground staff at 18 airports.