Seven post offices were closed around Scotland yesterday as workers took further industrial action after a 24-hour strike last week.

The offices failed to open because of industrial action by members of the Communication Workers Union in a row over transferring services from post offices to WH Smith stores.

Hundreds of union members were on strike until midday yesterday in protest at plans to close 85 crown branches and move services to the high street retailer.

The union regards the move as privatisation and has warned that 1500 jobs will be axed and workers who remain will suffer pay and pension cuts worth thousands of pounds. Andy Furey, of the CWU, said: "Members have been left with no alternative but to take strike action as management is steam-rolling ahead with closures of crown post offices across the UK."

The Scottish post offices that closed were at Alloa, Glasgow Crosshill, Fort William, Edinburgh Frederick Street, Glasgow Hecla Avenue, Kirkwall and Glasgow Springburn Way.

A Post Office spokesman said: "The overwhelming majority of branches were serving customers."

The union has warned there will be further industrial action unless the post office makes an improved offer on pay and job security.

Meanwhile, postal workers were clearing the backlog of mail caused by last Friday's 24-hour strike in a separate row over pay and jobs.

CWU members walked out in that dispute, after the union rejected a 2.5% pay offer and called on the Royal Mail to change its modernisation plans which it claims will lead to 40,000 job losses.