Retailers will soon be asked if they want to be part of a partnership to run Perth Post Office.
The Courier previously revealed that the South Street building in Perth is one of five Scottish sites identified by Post Office Ltd to be “partially partnered with a retailer.”
The Post Office stated a six-week public consultation will be held to “gather” the views of local people but several Perthshire politicians have slammed the proposal.
Councillor Archie MacLellan, one of the representatives for the Perth City Centre ward, called the plan “absolutely farcical.”
A spokesperson for the Post Office last night told The Courier prospective retailers will shortly be asked for their expressions of interest. She stated that there will be no compulsory redundancies for the 12-strong workforce based at Perth Post Office.
“We will be asking retailers shortly for expressions of interest,” she said.
“There has been no definite date given for that. Perth Crown Post Office has been identified as a branch that could potentially be partnered with a retailer.
“If a suitable partner has been identified, we will then start the public consultation.
“There won’t be any compulsory redundancies. Perth Post Office staff have experience and they will move over to work with the retailer.
“Employees are protected by Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations (TUPE) a law that governs what happens to employees’ contracts of employment and employment rights in the event of a transfer of any business or sale.”
She added: “The public consultation would not begin until we had identified a retailer and had firmer plans in place. We inform the public by putting posters and leaflets for customers into the branches, as well as writing to local opinion formers.”
Last week Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, told the Courier the move “seriously undermined the credibility” of the Post Office. “The South Street premises in Perth are excellently situated and well-frequented,” he said.
“Anyone who has used their services, or even walked by at their busiest times, will tell you that even with all counters going, the queues can be lengthy because of the amount of people looking to transact their business there.”
The other Scottish POs earmarked for retail franchise are Alloa, Cumbernauld, East Kilbride and Stornoway.