Moulsford villagers upset that their village postman has to

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Moulsford villagers upset that their village postman has to retire next month

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VETERAN postman Michael Maguire is being forced to retire at 65 by Royal Mail bosses, but wants to keep on delivering for his customers.

The Government has confirmed plans to scrap the retirement age of 65 from October, which means employers will no longer be able to force workers to retire at that age.

But the new ruling will come too late for Mr Maguire, of Atwell Close, Wallingford, who has been told by Royal Mail managers that his contract will be terminated on February 28, his 65th birthday.

Mr Maguire started delivering mail in the Wallingford area in 1977, and his rounds have included Berrick Salome, Ipsden, Ewelme, Benson, Warborough, North Stoke and, for the past 18 years, Moulsford.

Wantage MP Ed Vaizey has pledged to support Mr Maguire’s fight to stay on as a postman.

Mr Maguire said: “I have always kept myself very fit, so there are no health reasons for me to retire, and I would like to continue for another few years. My manager was very supportive and admitted it would be difficult to find someone as conscientious as me.

“But I was given an interview where I explained why I wanted to stay, but I got a standard letter back saying I would have to leave.

“I have delivered mail in all weathers, including snow and ice, and I’ve been bitten by one or two dogs over the years.

“I know my efforts are appreciated by the people I deliver to and they have said they would write letters of support on my behalf.

“I also spoke to Ed Vaizey when he made a visit to the delivery office in Wallingford just before Christmas.”

Mr Maguire added that he worked in an office which was often under-staffed and where some duties were covered on overtime.

He added: “The last time I had a sick day was seven years ago.”

Mr Maguire said his wife Linda wanted him to retire, but he did not yet feel ready to hang up his mailbag.

Ann Stickings, treasurer of Moulsford Parish Council, said: “Mr Maguire has done a very good job in the village, so it will be a shame if he does have to retire.

“He will be missed by many villagers because he is a very good postman and a very nice man — it would be good if Royal Mail bosses changed their mind.”

Moulsford parish councillor Clare Kerr, 70, of Glebe Close, said: “The whole village is against this ridiculous decision. It seems crazy to get rid of someone who wants to work.”

Mr Vaizey said he remembered meeting Mr Maguire, who appeared “vigorous and energetic” and the MP added: “I am very supportive of people who want to work past the retirement age of 65.

“I personally would support employers who felt able to give people the opportunity to carry on work if they want to.

“Cases have to be looked at individually, but Mr Maguire is in vigorous good health and is raring to carry on.

“When you have someone so enthusiastic, then an employer should embrace that, rather than hiding behind the rules.

“I would be quite happy to write to the Royal Mail on his behalf.”

Royal Mail spokesman Sue Dakin said: “Royal Mail, like many other companies, has a retirement age of 65 for its people.

“It is open to any of our people to request to continue working after the age of 65 and this is only granted if the role requires a specialist skill or the vacancy could not be filled in any other way.

“We would stress in following our retirement policy, the final decision in any case is in no way a reflection on the individual’s performance or ability to do the job.”

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what's the betting that they come up with a compromise? you can stay on but you will be made part time and you will do the full time work in part time hours
the headlines, RM listen, give popular postie job back
some time later the postie wished that he retired