By implication, the regulator thinks the universal service is in no danger provided Consignia gets its act together.

ECONOMIST: The post

The regulator reckons that only competition can shake Consignia into action and that once prodded into greater efficiency, its financial performance will improve dramatically.

ECONOMIST: The post

The UK Post Office will change its corporate name to Consignia, in an attempt to reflect its more commercial and international approach to business.

BBC: UK Post Office name change

The proposals will force Consignia and Postcomm into a fierce battle.

ECONOMIST: The post

By exposing Consignia to competition so quickly, Postcomm runs the risk that it will further weaken an already shaky service by allowing a challenge from strong European competitors.

ECONOMIST: The post

Firms hit by strike action in the last few months include South West Trains, carmaker Vauxhall, and post office operator Consignia, which in June warned that jobs would go unless industrial relations improved.

BBC: Union revival 'risks industrial peace'