Fears over jobs in Post Office move

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A consultation over whether to shut the Macclesfield Crown branch on Castle Street and move services to the WHSmith on Mill Street is ongoing.

MP David Rutley has stepped in to ensure jobs are secure if plans to move the town centre Post Office go ahead.

A consultation over whether to shut the Macclesfield Crown branch on Castle Street and move services to the WHSmith on Mill Street is ongoing.

Post Office Ltd say that the current site has been operating at a loss for years and has to be relocated.

However the choice of the move has been widely criticised.

Union chiefs fear jobs are at risk and customers are concerned the new venue will not be suitable for the increased demand.

MP David Rutley said that he had spoken to Post Office chiefs about residents’ concerns and asked for confirmation that jobs will be secure.

He said: “I spoke to Richard Lynds, a senior stakeholder with the Post Office, and he said the number of staff will be fairly similar with the current level, taking consideration for full and part-time roles.

“To manage queues I have been told that there will be six members of staff at the counter at the same time.”

Jim McNicholls, secretary at the Communication Workers Union, which represents postal workers, said members had been in touch to express concern over job security.

He said: “We are very disappointed that another Crown office is to be closed.

“Jobs are relatively well paid and they are centred in the heart of the community.

“There is also an adverse affect on other nearby shops when a Crown office closes due to the footfall it brings.

“Our members are concerned because the Post Office may offer them another job, but will they be on the same terms as what a Crown office clerk is on?”.

Macclesfield Mayor coun Janet Jackson has spoken against the move.

She said: “The main concern is how congested WHSmiths gets.

“I have seen people queuing out the door at Crown, so I don’t know how the level of service can be maintained if it moves.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “There will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of the proposed move of Macclesfield Post Office.

“Post Office Limited will be working to ensure the needs of branch colleagues are met, whether that is a transfer to the new employer or redeployment in the Post Office.

“Staff have the legal right to transfer to the new operator if they wish under TUPE legislation.”

WHSmith has been operating post offices since 2007 and currently runs more than 100 branches.

A spokesman said the firm cannot yet comment on jobs at the new branch.

If pans go ahead the new branch would open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 3pm on Sundays.

The consultation will close on December 23 and relocation has been proposed to go ahead in March 2015.