CROWN POST OFFICES

Early day motion 1368, tabled 26 April 2007 by Baroness Hoey (Labour). Signed by 80 members.

That this House praises the unrivalled quality of service offered to both the public and business at Crown post offices across the UK and the integrity, knowledge and expertise of loyal and hard working Post Office Limited (POL) employees; notes with concern the announcement by POL of its intention to franchise 85 Crown offices, nearly 20 per cent. of the network, 70 of which are to be run by WH Smith; believes that this will result in a deterioration in the quality of service and the potential loss of up to 1,500 jobs; criticises POL for making decisions on the future of the network before the Government has had time fully to consider and report on the findings of its recent consultation on the Post Office; further criticises POL and WH Smith for seeking to circumvent TUPE regulations in an attempt to drive down pay, terms and conditions; deplores the lack of an agreement with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) on either the franchising strategy or the application of TUPE regulations; calls on POL to return to discussions with the CWU on the best way to secure the future for the Crown Office network, and urges the Government to take urgent steps to halt this franchising programme and secure the future for the existing Crown Office network.

Signatures by party: Labour 64, Liberal Democrat 6, DUP 4, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, Independent Labour 1, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.