Thousands of staff in the country's biggest post offices are striking in a row over jobs, pay and closures.
Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) in around 370 so-called Crown offices were mounting picket lines in protest at plans to close or franchise 70 branches.
The union said the walkout was "solidly" supported by thousands of its members, with picket lines set up outside post offices across the country.
The Post Office said scores of branches were open despite the strike.
The union organised the strike because it believes 800 jobs are at risk and also staff had not received a pay rise for two years.
The Post Office put forward the restructuring plan because Crown branches were losing £40m a year and accused the union of ignoring the "harsh realities" the company faces.
Dave Ward, the CWU's deputy general secretary, said: "Our post office members are standing up against destructive plans which would slash 20% of the Crown network and are simply asking for fair treatment and job security.
"The Post Office's plans are short-sighted and would rob the network of the most productive offices while simultaneously putting hundreds of jobs at risk and potentially damaging local economies.
"We'd like to see a better vision for a successful network which maintains services in the heart of communities alongside quality jobs."
The strike follows a ballot of workers in which 88% of those who voted demanded action.
Kevin Gilliland, network and sales director at the Post Office, said: "We regret any disruption to services the CWU's call for strike action may cause to customers. Crown branches are currently losing £40m per year and this is being subsidised by public money. This cannot continue.
"The Post Office is transforming its network to improve customer experience and in turn bring in new business. We are committed to the Post Office remaining a key part of UK high streets and our plans ensure this will happen."
He said the closures - which do not apply to smaller sub-Post Offices - affect less than 1% of the total network. At the same time as closing some branches, the Post Office was planning to improve the 300 other Crown offices.
The union said it was receiving strong public support for its campaign, with petitions circulating in areas affected by the proposals.
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