Job adverts go out over post office move
JOBS have been advertised for proposed new post office counters at WHSmith – even though an announcement on whether services will move to the shop is yet to be made.
Bosses propose closing the dedicated Crown Post Office branch on Castle Street in Macclesfield and moving services to the high street newsagent on Mill Street instead.
The plan has sparked outrage among residents who have fears it could result in fewer jobs, a reduction in services and longer queues for customers. The Express is campaigning against the proposals.
There was a consultation in December and the town has been waiting for a formal decision from the Post Office, with many hoping bosses will do a u-turn and keep the Crown branch open.
A decision is expected in early February.
However, WHSmith is already advertising for staff to run the new post office counters, placing a poster in the shop window to advertise the vacancies.
Ian Hemmings, of Ashbrook Road, Bollington, contacted the Express after seeing the advert for counter assistants and managerial positions.
He said: “Public services should remain public. “We need to know what guarantees there are that the Post Office counters will remain open.”
A Post Office spokesman said the organisation is working with WHSmith to ensure trained staff are on hand at the proposed new branch, whether they are employees at the current branch or new faces.
He said: “WHSmith has started advertising to ensure they are prepared if the move goes ahead.
“This does not prejudge the consultation and it is misleading and untrue to suggest otherwise.
“There will be no compulsory redundancies.
“Post Office will work to ensure the needs of branch colleagues are met, whether that is a transfer to the new employer, redeployment in the Post Office or a compromise package.”
The move would go ahead in March if approved. WHSmith would undergo a refurbishment to accommodate services and create six new post office counters.
The company did not respond to our request for a comment.