Hundreds of staff members of the UK's biggest post offices are expected to take part in a strike today over jobs, pay and closures.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is opposing the decision to either franchise or close 75 Crown offices, which are larger post offices generally located on high streets. The strike would be 12th industrial action since Easter and comes as staff have banned sale of financial products and services. The union said the strike will affect up to 4,000 staff in 372 offices.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said, "If the Post Office thinks this dispute will simply fade away they are sadly mistaken. Our members are fiercely opposed to the company's plans to close and franchise offices, slash jobs and impose a pay freeze."

The union members will walk out in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Monday to take part in the strike. The CWU representing the workers at the Royal Mail has said that the workers are concerned that the privatisation would damage the postal service and also lead to poorer terms for the staff members.

Kevin Gilliland, network and sales director at Post Office said that the strike would cost money, cause disruption to customers and also affect plans for the revival of business. He also said that the