Remaining Directly Managed Post Offices in NI to become part of franchise network
The Post Office has confirmed that its remaining 108 Directly Managed Branches – including four in Northern Ireland – will become part of a franchised network.
Following a Board decision, the Post Office said that, subject to government funding, the last 108 Directly Managed Branches operated by the Post Office, will be franchised by the autumn.
Last November it was announced that the Post Office was seeking to reduce their central costs and were looking at a range of options. The Directly Managed Branches, including the four in Northern Ireland based in Belfast City, Bangor, Newtownards and Londonderry, feared they faced potential closure following the announcement.
The news came as Post Office Chair, Nigel Railton out set out a five-year Transformation Plan to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’, which aims to significantly increase their total annual income through revenue sharing and strengthen their role in the direction of the organisation.
Following consultation with unions and reviewing options with the Postmaster Consultative Council, the Post Office Board took the decision to move to a fully franchised network in order to help fund increases in the remuneration Postmasters receive.
“By franchising these branches, we are protecting access to our services for communities right across the UK and realising £40m worth of savings that will enable us to uplift postmasters’ remuneration by up to 10%,” said Nigel Railton.
“Over the coming months, we will continue to work with our unions to ensure that we treat our staff working in these 108 branches with care and respect through this transition, consulting with them on proposed changes.
“The 108 Post Offices will either stay in the same location where possible or be located close to the existing location, meaning customers will continue to have access to a full suite of products and services.”
Further details on proposals will be shared with local communities and stakeholders for individual branches in the coming weeks.
