http://www.shetlandtoday.co.uk/Shetland ... ntID=24797
THE FORUM of Private Business (FPB) is warning that post office closures in Scotland could devastate many small businesses, particularly those in rural areas which rely on their local branches.
The closures, part of around 2,500 that are taking place across the UK network to address financial losses, are expected to take place in February. A shortlist of branches in the Highlands and Islands facing closure should be revealed on Tuesday.
The Post Office is selecting the branches it wants to close in the light of the government's "national access criteria", such as the stipulation that 95 per cent of a postcode district's population is within six miles of a post office.
The FPB believes that this is a reasonable way to reapportion postal services, but is warning that religiously sticking to an approach based on population levels could fail to meet the individual needs of local communities  including the specific services required by small businesses.
FPB policy representative Mathew Goodman said: "The government's review of the postal service recognised the important social role that post office branches play within communities. Indeed, small firms frequently benefit from the passing trade nearby.
"Closing these outlets however, and the subsequent loss of the services they provide, could prove to be a body blow for many small businesses unless adequate alternatives are put in place.
"The FPB agrees that new, innovative ways of providing for remote communities - such as situating post offices in alternative locations such as pubs; increasing the window of opportunity for mailings and providing mobile 'outreach' services - could help to offset the impact of the closures. However, the Post Office must ensure that the level and variety of service provided for small firms by their local branches does not suffer."
© The Shetland Times Ltd.
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Post Office closure looming and small firms may suffer
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TrueBlueTerrier
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Post Office closure looming and small firms may suffer
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greynut
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I remember when we went on strike that the Federation of Small Business were quoted as saying we were wrong to strike.
Maybe we should ask their opinion on this one?
If it is a danger to small businesses we will probably see a condemantion from the FSB now.
How short sighted these people are when it does not directly affect them.
Maybe we should ask their opinion on this one?
If it is a danger to small businesses we will probably see a condemantion from the FSB now.
How short sighted these people are when it does not directly affect them.