37 Post Office closures planned across the UK

The Post Office is to close and franchise a further 37 of its flagship Crown offices, with the loss of 300 staff, and cut 127 financial specialist roles, workers have been told.

The Communication Workers Union said on top of the 62 branches announced for closure and franchise in 2016, the job cuts brings more "misery" to Post Office workers and the customers they serve.

General secretary Dave Ward said: "The latest round of closures is further evidence that the Post Office is in crisis and that the board of the company, backed by the Government, is simply pursuing a strategy of slash and burn.

"Today's announcement comes less than three weeks after the closure of a major government consultation on the future of the Post Office and sticks two fingers up to everyone who took part in this.

"75,000 postcards were returned to the Government signed by members of the public calling for an end to the closure and franchise programme - the Post Office and the Government have completely ignored their views."

The union has staged strikes in protest at the closure of Crown Post Offices - the larger branches usually sited on high streets.

A colourful protest was held outside the Business Department before Christmas when sackfulls of post cards from members of the public were delivered supporting the union's campaign.

Mr Ward added: "While the Government spent yesterday talking about building a shared society, today's announcement pressing on with the destruction of yet another public service shows we are reaching the point where we will have little left to share.

"The CWU will not accept this and we will be stepping up our political and industrial campaign to fight for the future of the Post Office."

Deputy General Secretary Terry Pullinger said: "The arrogance of the Post Office and Government is stunning. The Post Office network has been reduced by more than 50% over the past 30 years and continues to be run down. It requires a proper business plan for growth and investment which is being ignored.

"Its IT platform is being held together with sticky tape and it continues to outsource and close its outlets, yet they dress it up as a success and honour its directors.

"A con is a con regardless of how it's dressed up and the British public and our members are being conned on a grand scale into believing that a Post Office without modern new products and services, and the right investment can survive.

"Shame on them and have no doubt our loyal members who have served the British public most of their working lives have every right to protest and we will continue to support and lead them."

ends

The Post Office has announced plans to seek "partners" for the following 37 branches:

Abbey Wood, 90 Abbey Wood Road SE2 9NN

Billingham Crown Buildings TS23 2LR

Bishops Stortford, 102 South Street CM23 3AA

Bootle, The New Strand L20 4ED

Brandon, 26 Brandon Arcade ML1 1BA

Camborne, 15 Chapel Street TR14 8EQ

Church Road, 114 Church Road NW10 9PL

Collier Row, 46-48 Collier Row Road RM5 3PB

Consett, Victoria Road DH8 5AA

Diss, 7 Market Place IP22 4AA

Dundee, 4 Meadowside DD1 1AA

Falkirk, 1 Garrison Place FK1 1AA

Harlesden, 2 Wendover Road NW10 4RU

Harringay, 509 Green Lanes N4 1AW

Hecla Avenue, Hecla Avenue G15 8LZ

Hoddesdon, 72 High Street EN11 8HB

Hornchurch, 127-129 High Street RM11 1UB

Lancing, 40 North Road BN15 9AA

Leigh-on-Sea, 24- 28 Rectory Grove SS9 2HG

Leyton, 553 Lea Bridge Road E10 7EG

Morningside, 265 Morningside Road EH10 4RD

New Cross Gate, 199/205 New Cross Road SE14 5DH

New Street, 102-104 New Street HD1 2UD

Ossett Towngate, WF5 9AA

Petersfield, 29 The Square GU32 3HG

Pontefract, 20 Ropergate WF8 1LU

Pudsey, 37 Church Lane LS28 7LB

Redruth, 61 Fore Street TR15 2AA

Rotherham, 3-5 Bridgegate S60 1PJ

Shoreham-by-Sea, 15 Brunswick Road BN43 5XN

South Kensington Station, 41 Old Brompton Road SW7 3JG

South Woodford, 139 George Lane E18 1AL

Stamford Hill, 250-252 Stamford Hill N16 6TW

Stoke Newington, 138 Stoke Newington High Street N16 7JN

Thetford, 1 Market Place IP24 2AA

Ulverston County Square LA12 7AA

Walthamstow Central, 206 High Street E17 7JH