Future of the Post Office Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Business and Trade
Jo Platt
Main Page: Jo Platt (Labour (Co-op) - Leigh and Atherton)Department Debates - View all Jo Platt's debates with the Department for Business and Trade
(2 days ago)
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Gareth Thomas
One crucial issue that we considered when we developed the Green Paper was how to address postmaster remuneration, because in some communities the Post Office has struggled to find people who are willing to take on the running of a franchise. It is important that Post Office senior management have improved postmaster pay, with £20 million last financial year, a commitment to £66 million this financial year, and a plan to go even further. I hope that will make a significant difference to the ability to find people to take on franchises, and not just in urban areas but in the rural areas the hon. Lady describes. She will forgive me for not knowing her constituency as well as she does, but if she wants to contact me about particular issues with branch closures, I would be happy to look at those.
Jo Platt (Leigh and Atherton) (Lab/Co-op)
I welcome the Minister’s statement, and the announcement of a national dialogue about the future of our Post Office. As a fellow Co-operative party Member, I welcome the model of mutualisation, which would also suit our local branch. Given the decline of Leigh’s high street, the announcement of changes to our main post office was a major concern. Can he reassure staff in Leigh that they will not lose their jobs as a result of franchising? Will he confirm whether the Communication Workers Union has been fully consulted on the changes affecting our community?
Gareth Thomas
My hon. Friend has long been a proud member of the Co-operative party and is interested in mutualisation, and I look forward to discussing these issues with her in due course. Discussions on the franchising of the remaining Crown post offices are still ongoing, both with franchisees and local communities, and specifically regarding arrangements for staff. The Post Office and the Communication Workers Union are continuing to talk to each other about how to manage the transition, and I welcome the positive dialogue that has taken place between them both.