Daily Mail

Strike blow for disabled artists

- TOM YeNDeLL, MFPA board member.

WITH royal Mail strikes set to continue, my livelihood and that of other disabled artists is at risk.

Members of Mouth and foot painting artists (Mfpa) make a living by having our unique artwork published as Christmas cards and other seasonal products.

This allows us to be financiall­y independen­t, so we are very concerned that the current strikes are dissuading people from buying cards in case they don’t reach friends and family. a lot of customers have already told us they can’t afford to send Christmas cards this year because of the price of stamps — since 2018, the cost of a first-class stamp has risen by 42 per cent and a second- class stamp has gone up by 17 per cent. Could these prices not be frozen for a set period?

If there is no agreement with the strikers and further industrial action is not postponed until after the festive trading period, we and countless other small independen­t businesses will suffer and may not survive. let’s hope Christmas isn’t spoiled this year.

 ?? ?? Fears: Tom Yendell relies on the Christmas card business
Fears: Tom Yendell relies on the Christmas card business

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