Saltcoats Post Office could close under new plans

Saltcoats Post Office has been included in proposals to close more than 100 branches across the UK.

Plans to transform the Post Office were announced by chair Nigel Railton on Wednesday, November 13 in what was hailed a “new deal for postmasters”.

However, included in the plans are proposals to close 115 branches - those owned directly by the Post Office - with the loss of up to 1,000 jobs.

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Saltcoats is one of nine Scottish branches which could be affected.

The Post Office say that, subject to Government funding, the 'transformation plan' provides a route to add an additional £250million annually to total postmaster remuneration by 2030 by dramatically increasing postmasters’ share of revenue.

If approved, postmasters could expect up to £120million in additional remuneration by the end of the first year of the plan which the Post Office say would represent a 30 per cent increase in revenue share.

There are also plans to “strengthen” postmaster engagement in the running of the business through a new “Postmaster Panel and Consultative Council”.

The transformation plan follows a strategic review initiated in May by Mr Railton.

In his speech delivered to postmasters and Post Office staff, Mr Railton said: “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.

“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.

“It begins a new phase of partnership during which we will strengthen the postmaster voice in the day-to-day running and operations of the business, so they are represented from the frontline to the boardroom.”

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