Government slammed over Royal Mail

[RTI]

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he Government has been accused of missing an opportunity to support post offices as crucial talks to try to head off national strikes against Royal Mail were adjourned. Skip related content

Ministers were accused of an "inadequate response" to a call from MPs for greater provision of banking services at post office branches across the UK.

The Government said it shared the view of the Business Select Committee that the Post Office should work towards a greater provision of banking services across the network.

But the MPs complained that ministers had not set out in detail how they intended to pursue the objective and asked Lord Mandelson's Business Department (BIS) to expand in writing.

George Thomson, general secretary of the National Federation of SubPostmasters, said: "Sub-postmasters across the country will be bitterly disappointed by the Government's inadequate response to the select committee's proposals which represents a missed opportunity to revitalise our post office network.

"In setting out their reply on how to safeguard the future of the network, ministers have failed to commit to measures which will help achieve this."

The fresh criticism of the Government's handling of Royal Mail came as both sides in the postal workers' dispute held talks to try to break a deadlocked row over pay, jobs and working conditions.

The Communication Workers Union confirmed it was considering legal action against Royal Mail's plan to take on 30,000 temporary staff.

Up to 120,000 union members will strike on Thursday and Friday, threatening massive disruption to mail deliveries just weeks from Christmas.

Meanwhile, 98 MPs have now signed a Commons motion supporting the union's call for peace talks to resolve the bitter dispute.