Chatteris Sorting Office : update on proposed closure

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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I held a meeting at Westminster this morning with Royal Mail representatives Duncan Stephenson, Michael Thompson and Sally Hopkins regarding the proposed closure of the Chatteris sorting office. I raised my concerns at this closure which hits both Royal Mail staff and also constituents who collect parcels locally, and questioned amongst other things the lack of cost data on the proposed operational savings and why an alternative site in Chatteris had not been considered.

A number of points came to light. Firstly I was surprised when they told me that even though they run the Chatteris sorting office they did not know the ‘for sale’ notice was going up on the building six weeks ago. This was done by the Post Office part of the business which is another part of the Royal Mail group. It seems the left hand did not know what the right hand was doing. Royal Mail are responsible for the operating costs but the Post Office actually own the building and deal with the sale. It supports the view of a rushed sale with little consideration for local circumstances.

Secondly, they said the move is not subject to consultation with the public at all, because it is a Royal Mail operation not a post office. They only intend to consult with the staff affected, although they have met the town council. I was unconvinced when they said they first notified Chatteris Royal Mail staff six months ago that the building would be closed, as this contrasts with what I have been told locally, and also contradicts the letter sent to me by Royal Mail on 22nd June 2011 stating “We are telling our people about the move now before the detailed planning starts”.

Thirdly, the efficiency savings planned from moving Royal Mail staff to March have still not been subject to the Royal Mail’s detailed revision tool which re-plans delivery rounds and takes ten weeks to undertake. The March sorting office has also not been subject to this delivery revision tool, so further changes may also take place at this site also although they refused to confirm that March staff will be affected in the future. I would have expected this planning work for a new delivery model in Chatteris to have been carried out before deciding to sell the building, and it suggests raising cash from the sale of the building is the key driver rather than savings from changes to the operating model.

Royal Mail believe operating costs can be reduced through carrying out deliveries with vehicles and getting rid of bikes, but they had no data to share with me. They say this will allow staff to carry more packages without returning to base as often, and as a result they can manage with 11 staff rather than the current 13 covering Chatteris. They say no compulsory redundancy will apply although not all Chatteris staff will move to March as some might have to work elsewhere e.g. in Ramsey. A contradiction later in the meeting was the suggestion that Ramsey would also be closing and moving to Huntingdon, which if correct raises questions as to how Chatteris staff could be moved to Ramsey. The absence of data on the proposed savings to the operating model is highlighted by the fact that no mention was made of the extra cost of leasing vehicles and fuel costs if they get rid of bikes, and these costs could offset much of the claimed savings from having two less staff.

A disturbing reason for wanting to move staff from Chatteris to March was the allegation that there had been bullying in Chatteris, and as there is no manager on site this could be better tackled in March. It was also claimed that the Chatteris sorting office does not have sufficient space downstairs and so would struggle with capacity in the future. I am sure the trade union will wish to comment on this. The much quoted issue of the stairs in Chatteris being unsafe for staff – in that classic phrase “to de-risk a multi floor working environment” – was ruled out by Royal Mail as nothing to do with their decision.

Fourthly, no alternative site has been considered in Chatteris for relocating the sorting office. This is disappointing, and having discussed this earlier with Andy Beeby, Branch Chairman of the Communication Workers Union, I understand they will put forward an alternative site at a meeting tomorrow with Royal Mail. It strikes me as a good compromise option, allowing Royal Mail staff to continue to be based in Chatteris and keeping a local collection point for residents. Royal Mail would still obtain a cash injection from the sale of the existing sorting office building, and be able to introduce new working practices where applicable at a leased site. Whilst this option would include the additional cost of a new lease in Chatteris, it would avoid the extra cost of staff travelling to and from March and be better for residents. A willingness by Royal Mail to consider such a compromise might also help them unlock the value of the existing building, as the district council will need to approve a change of use and might not take kindly to the way the process has been handled to date.

Fifthly, despite starting the meeting by giving me a guarantee that residents will continue to have the same level of service in terms of being able to collect packages in Chatteris, it emerged during the meeting that no certainty could be given as no agreement is in place. A local business, or council run building, may be interested in the 25p fee per item collected, but no agreement has been reached. The sale of the building is going ahead prior to securing an alternative collection point for residents. It is simply not acceptable for constituents to be required to collect packages from March.

Overall we had a constructive meeting although I was surprised by the lack of cost data and the failure to consider an alternative site. Royal Mail confirmed earlier assurances there will be no compulsory redundancies, and that residents will continue to be able to collect packages in Chatteris. I remain concerned however that the sale is being rushed, staff are being unnecessarily inconvenienced, and the specific needs of the local community are being disregarded in a rush to unlock the value from estate rationalisation. It is clear more work needs to be done by Royal Mail in particular on the operating costs, and I look forward to hearing about their meeting with union representatives tomorrow. Chatteris is a growing town and should not be stripped of a valued local facility.

[music4essex]

It seems the mp was on the ball in regards to finding out why RM wants to sell the del office
I bet Rm was by not having the correct data, nothing knew there,
BUT it begs the question the MP probably Conservitive knowing Chatteris is in the Cambs area (my partners mum lives there) that his goverment is forcing through the sale of RM and that is why so many buildings are going up for sale for RMG to claw money to offset the mess they have bought in with P& L/ mail centre closure's

TOWIE mum