Staff fear axe in Royal Mail modernisation (Belfast)

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Thousands of Royal Mail workers in Northern Ireland are facing an uncertain future after it emerged the group is to undergo a massive modernising programme which could lead to job losses.


Royal Mail last night denied they had plans to axe 16,000 jobs across the UK under the new cost-cutting plan.

But the group is set to hold talks over two days with union leaders in March to discuss moves to modernise the business. And speculation has mounted that such moves will lead to job losses.

The postal group is aiming to cut costs as well as pressing ahead with a huge modernisation programme in the face of increased competition.

The group has written to some workers setting out options including offers of voluntary redundancy or part-time work.

It is unclear if this has included workers in Northern Ireland.

The Communications Workers' Union represents around 3,000 Royal Mail staff in Northern Ireland.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “Royal Mail is pushing for an arbitrary 10% cost saving for offices across the country.

“This is not agreed by the CWU and could have a huge impact on both job losses and a reduction of full-time jobs to part-time jobs.

“We are not opposed to modernisation but these are random savings which have not been properly worked out. They have nothing to do with modernisation, they are panic measures that will hit the quality of service.

“This decision comes after profits in Royal Mail have soared, which brings into further question the necessity of these cost-cutting quotas.”

CWU Northern Ireland Secretary Laurence Huston said they will oppose any cuts in jobs.

“There have been no discussions locally about this,” he said.

“We are disappointed that this has been reported before Royal Mail has even met with the unions. We are left in limbo, this is a concerning time for workers.”

However a Royal Mail spokes-|person said: “We have no plans for 16,000 job cuts and while we are trying to cut costs, it is about central costs and overheads and certainly not about our front line people.”

A spokesman for the CWU added: “The Royal Mail needs an agreement with the union on modernisation. Making panic driven cuts that have no logic to them just reduces services.”

Stephen Harper Executive Officer for the Federation of Sub Postmasters said: “Any possibility of job losses is regrettable.

“We think we would be affected if sorting offices in Northern Ireland were to close. But that is still unclear.”

The Royal Mail employs around 180,000 staff, mainly in its letters business, but industry sources said there was no figure for any job losses likely to happen through modernisation.

A Royal Mail spokesman added: “We want to work with our people so that we take into account their wishes. Royal Mail continues to modernise its operation to meet challenges of falling mail volumes and intense competition.”

Around 50,000 jobs have been lost in recent years through voluntary redundancies and retirements. Last year following a public consultation the Post Office announced 38 branches would close in Northern Ireland, while 53 would be transformed into an outreach service.