Tag: UK

The postal industry is calling for an official summit with newly appointed Government adviser Sir George Bain, who will scrutinise key proposals in the run up to market liberalisation. Despite overwhelming industry support for his appointment, the postal sector claims it is still in the dark about the extent of Bain’s remit. Nigel Stapleton, chairman of Postcomm, states: “It is not clear whether this is a review or something much less formal.” A Department of Trade & Industry spokesman explains: “He will be examining the relationships between Royal Mail, its regulators and unions, ensuring a strong working partnership.”

In his new role as chief Government adviser on Royal Mail, Sir George Bain has broad industry support. But he has his work cut out as critics of pricing in proportion keep up the pressure. Two weeks ago, Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), raised a few eyebrows by announcing that Canadian-born Sir George Bain would assist ministers with key postal issues. He had been expected to call an independent review of Postcomm’s proposal to open up the market to competition ahead of the rest of Europe.
This week, however, Bain appears to be riding a wave of overwhelming support from the postal sector. A Communication Workers Union spokesman comments: “The Government has clearly recognised that there needs to be a more honest appraisal of Postcomm’s proposals.” It is a sentiment echoed by Institute of Practitioners in Advertising head of direct marketing David Payne: “Postcomm’s actions are significant, and, while Postwatch is doing a great job, there is a need for the Government to oversee key decisions.