How consumers interact with their mail
How consumers interact with their mail
Read MoreTag: Royal Mail
The impact of mail on consumer behavior
The impact of mail on consumer behavior
Read MoreBoosting sales and brands through mail
Boosting sales and brands through mail
Read MoreConsultation On Changes To Post Office Network – Post Office Ltd proposes two additional branches for closure in the Bristol and Somerset area
Post Office Ltd recently confirmed decisions reached following local public consultation into its Bristol and Somerset area plan. As a result of the feedback received, Post Office Ltd amended its original proposal and decided not to proceed with the closure of three branches at Bear Flat, Lower Weston and West End.
In order to ensure that the planned future network can be supported by the available funding from Government and meets the criteria it has set, including the requirement that no part of the UK is advantaged or disadvantaged relative to other areas, Post Office Ltd is now proposing the permanent closure two branches at Southgate and Hinton St George. A six week public consultation on these new proposals will begin on 17 June.
In proposing these branches for closure, Post Office Ltd has taken into account that customers would be able to access Post Office® services from nearby branches.
Read MoreGordon Brown faces union pressure to save Royal Mail from privatisation (UK)
Gordon Brown is being pressured by one of his main union backers to make a fresh commitment to safeguard the Royal Mail from privatisation or risk losing its financial support.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents postal workers employed by the state-owned operator, will vote at its annual conference next week on whether to sever its affiliation with the Labour Party.
If they vote for the move, it would spell the end of a six-figure annual funding source vital to Labour.
It would be a big blow to the party, as donations have dwindled significantly since the cash-for-honours scandal and low opinion poll ratings, and it now relies heavily on union support to cover its debts.
In the first quarter of this year, 88 per cent of the cash donations made to the party came from the unions.
To make matters worse for Labour, the CWU is not the only trade union proposing a disaffiliation motion during the conferences this summer. Similar motions are being put forward by the GMB and Unison, a sign that there is increased dissatisfaction.
Ministers are under growing pressure to consider allowing Royal Mail to raise money from outside sources. But the CWU has told the Financial Times that the commitment Labour made in its last manifesto to keep Royal Mail in public ownership was “one of our core objectives.”
When asked if the union might demand that the Prime Minister renews his pledge in Labour’s next manifesto in exchange for its continued support a CWU official answered: “Absolutely”.
Francis Maude, the shadow cabinet office minister, said: “This shows that trade union barons call the shots. Labour, who are so dependent on trade union funding, are being held over a barrel and this is extremely unhealthy for a parliamentary democracy.”
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