Shake-up plans spark fear for Royal Mail jobs (Margate)

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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The prospect of Margate Royal Mail sorting office closing is being debated at Thanet council.

Although the mail provider says there are no plans to shut the office, it is set to launch a big shake-up of its delivery options.

A new mail centre will probably be opened to deal with the county’s mail.

Some fear it could lead to job losses locally, and concern is mounting that the Margate sorting office, and its staff, could be affected.

On Tuesday, July 20, the council’s overview and scrutiny panel decided this was an issue it wanted to look at more closely, as members were worried about the prospect of job losses and the quality of service.

Concerns were also voiced that, if these proposals went ahead, the nearest sorting office to Margate would be at Maidstone.

The panel is to ask Royal Mail to send a representative to its next meeting in September to explain the proposals and answer questions.

Mike Harrison, chairman of the overview and scrutiny panel, said: “I’m keen for the council’s overview and scrutiny panel to look at issues outside of the council, focusing on things that affect the wider community.

“It seems that the issue of what will happen to the Royal Mail sorting office falls into that category perfectly and members agreed.

“I look forward to hearing more from the Royal Mail at our next meeting about what they’re proposing and the impact it will have on our area.”

If a new mail centre is built, existing mail centres will have to be vacated and jobs will go.

The county’s four mail centres are all now more than 25 years old

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “There is no decision to close Margate Delivery Office.

“We are carrying out a review of our processing and delivery operations across Kent and are proposing to build a new mail centre for Kent.

“We are currently talking to our unions and our people about this proposal. No decisions have been made and there would not be any changes until at least 2012.”

Other issues set to be examined by the council panel during 2010/11 include the development of a Master Plan for the Port of Ramsgate and Royal Harbour Marina.

Members wanted to see a progress report from this working party at the panel’s next meeting in September, with an update on where the project was.

How seaweed that washes up on the isle’s beaches is dealt with and disposed of, the Thanet Works employment scheme and the council’s management of the Coach House in Northdown Park were among other issues that will be scrutinised.

[not me]

funny how nobody cares about the changes/agreements in RM until it might affect them