The Post Office has announced a significant transformation plan that could see more than a hundred larger crown branches—those directly owned by the company—close, potentially affecting hundreds of jobs. Among those listed for possible closure are the Wealdstone and Kingsbury branches.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has indicated it will challenge the closures, raising concerns for the future of nearly 1,000 employees currently working at the affected branches. These branches have reportedly been experiencing significant losses.
Nigel Railton, chair of the Post Office, commented, “The Post Office has a 360-year history of public service and today we want to secure that service for the future by learning from past mistakes and moving forward for the benefit of all postmasters.”
He added, “We can, and will, restore pride in working for a business with a legacy of service, rather than one of scandal. The value postmasters deliver in their communities must be reflected in their pockets, and this Transformation Plan provides a route to adding more than £250million annually to total postmaster remuneration by 2030, subject to government funding.”
Local post offices that may face closure include:
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- Wealdstone – 4-12 Headstone Drive, Harrow, HA3 5QL
- Kingsbury – 439-441 Kingsbury Road, London, NW9 9DU
- Harlesden – 2 Wendover Road, London, NW10 4RU
- Northolt – 46 Mandeville Road, UB5 5AA
- Southall – 38 The Broadway, UB1 1PY
- Barnet – 63-65 High Street, EN5 5UU
- Cricklewood – 193 Cricklewood Broadway, London, NW2 3HR
- Golders Green – 879 Finchley Road, London, NW11 8RT
- Kilburn – 79A Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 6JG
Dave Ward, General Secretary at the CWU said: “For the company to announce the closure of hundreds of Post Offices hot on the heels of the Horizon scandal is as tone deaf as it is immoral. CWU members are victims of the Horizon scandal – and for them to now fear for their jobs ahead of Christmas is yet another cruel attack.”
The Post Office’s transformation plan is expected to continue, with further consultations and negotiations anticipated in the coming months.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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