Jobs fear as South Bank delivery office is axed by RM

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Jobs fear as South Bank delivery office is axed by Royal Mail

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Staff and operations at the Normanby Road office are set now to be merged with Middlesbrough delivery office at Cannon Park Way

South Bank delivery office has been axed by Royal Mail in a shock move in the run-up to the busy Christmas period.

Employees were today devastated with around 35 jobs threatened, said Communications Workers Union (CWU) representative Neil Bendelow.

Mr Bendelow, who works at the office, said: “The closure’s definite. We were told by management on Tuesday, despite six months of talks to keep it open. However, bosses have rejected all the proposals we’ve put to them and now want to rush this through in 10 weeks at our busiest time of year.

“Talks are still ongoing, but it could affect 35 jobs.

“This comes at a time when major investment is coming into South Bank at the Tesco site and the local retail park.”

Staff and operations at the Normanby Road office are set now to be merged with Middlesbrough delivery office at Cannon Park Way - about four miles away.

The proposed move has caused controversy for months and has resulted in major public opposition.

Redcar MP Ian Swales said: “This is not the right outcome for South Bank. This decision comes at the end of a long fight in which I worked hard to keep the delivery office, including meeting the chief executive of Royal Mail and presenting a public petition in Parliament.

“Assurances have been given that mail will still be delivered and job losses will be ‘minimal’. I’m now committed to working to ensure Royal Mail honour these commitments.”

South Bank Labour representatives, including local councillor Ian Jeffrey, are “dismayed” at the news.

He said: “This follows a long community campaign organised in partnership with the CWU aimed at saving the service for the people of South Bank and surrounding areas and the jobs of local postal workers.

“A public meeting last year to protest against the closure was one of the best attended in the town and this was followed by a march and rally in March this year.

“It’s a real blow to our local community and workers at the office. It’s clear Royal Mail are not interested in providing good, local, public services - they just want to cost cut. South Bank people deserve better.”

Anna Turley, Labour and Co-operative Parliamentary candidate for Redcar, slammed Royal Mail for the closure. She said: “They’ve ridden roughshod over the needs of locals and pressed ahead with this closure as part of the coalition Government’s sell-off of Royal Mail.”

Royal Mail spokesperson Jennifer Bird said: “We’re discussing the planned move with staff and trade unions to ensure a smooth transition for our operations.

“There will be no effect on deliveries and collections to customers.” She claimed the move would not result in job losses.

[5plusbonusball]

A spokesman for royal mail in London probably said "so what, we need more italian designer walnut tables for our canteen"

[ebbzie]

A spokesman for royal mail in London probably said "so what, we need more italian designer walnut tables for our canteen"

What as stupid comment