POST Office staff in Lowestoft and Thetford will be among thousands nationwide striking on Easter Saturday in a dispute over closures, jobs and pay.

The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) said 4,000 staff working in the network of 373 Crown offices, which handle 20% of all Post Office business, will strike.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “With Post Office management refusing to negotiate, and with such a huge vote in favour of strike action, we have had no choice but to serve notice for strike action.”

Kevin Gilliland, network and sales director at the Post Office, said: “The CWU is ignoring the harsh commercial realities being faced by the Post Office and other retailers across the UK. Crown branches are currently losing £40m per year. This cannot continue.”