Concerns for staff jobs over Newport post office move

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/1 ... fice-move/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

CONCERNS have been raised over the future of staff at Newport's post office after it was announced it was set to move.

Earlier this month the Argus reported the post office in Sovereign Arcade, Kingway Centre, is to be relocated into a vacant retail unit in Upper Dock Street.

But, although the Post Office has said the move, which could involve the new branch being open seven days a week, is "the most effective way to secure the long term viability of our services in Newport", concerns have been raised that staff at the existing branch, which only opened in 2014, could be faced with redundancy.


National officer of the Communication Worker's Union Andy Furey said he was "extremely disappointed" by the decision, saying: "The only people that will suffer are our members and the local people who use this service.”

He added: “We will continue to campaign to protect the professional first-class service our members deliver on a daily basis.”

A Post Office spokeswoman said: "We always take the utmost care to support our staff through any potential changes and we are discussing the proposal with Newport staff on an individual basis."

She added potential options being explored with staff include moving to the new branch or another branch elsewhere, or a voluntary redundancy agreement,

The spokeswoman also said the war memorial dedicated to members of the General Post Office, which is now Royal Mail, in the existing Kingsway Centre branch would be relocated.

"We fully recognise the importance and significance of war memorials and, once agreed, the relocation will be handled with great care and sensitivity, including a rededication ceremony," she said.

A public consultation into the proposed move has been launched, and will run until Wednesday, August 15. The relocation is expected to take place in October.