Maguire voices concern at future of Antrim Post Office

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LOCAL Sinn Féin Councillor Noel Maguire joined with workers, trade union reps and other representatives at a protest against the possible franchising of Antrim Post Office in the Castle Mall on Saturday.

The Post Office is searching for a retailer to operate the Antrim Post Office branch – one of 70 Crown Post Office branches for which it is seeking retail partners.

The move could see the Antrim branch move to another location, if a retail partner is found elsewhere in the town.

Speaking after the event, Councillor Maguire said: “The plans to franchise Antrim’s award-winning crown office are concerning, not least because it will probably mean the loss of the Post Office from the Castle Mall, another massive blow to the struggling mall and its tenants.

“I am also concerned at the consequences for existing jobs. While staff can be transferred to the new employer, I am worried that any new employer will not be able to maintain the same staffing levels or in the long term the same terms and conditions or rates of pay.

“Finally, it is very likely that any franchise will not be able to provide the same range of services, whether finance, DVLA or passports.

“The Crown Post Office in Antrim remains at the heart of the community providing much needed services, especially those on which our elderly are so dependent. It needs to remain that way.”

Kevin Gilliland, Network and Sales Director at the Post Office, said: “Antrim branch serves thousands of customers every week.

“However, we must change the way it operates to ensure its long term viability and to maintain services for people in the area.

“We already have over 10,000 branches which operate through franchises and agreements with retailers so we know this model works.

“We are committed to modernising our Crown network to make it as easy as possible for customers to access our services and bring in new business. It is currently losing £40m a year of public money.

“Partnering 70 branches with retailers and investing £70 million in 300 Crown branches is the best way to keep our branches on high streets and city centres across the UK.”