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Post Office bosses act to help struggling branches during lockdown


By Gavin Musgrove

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Postmasters are to receive guaranteed pay by the Post Office in a bid to keep struggling branches open during the Covid-19 lockdown.

All independent postmasters will receive 100 per cent of their remuneration this month and 90 per cent in May, with 8,000 branches set to benefit.

The guarantee covers fixed and variable remuneration and will be based on an average of monthly income for the previous quarter.

Already Aviemore Post Office has been closed by its operators at Aviemore News because of health fears and lack of footfall for an indefinite period.

Post Offices have remained open across the UK after being identified as a key service.
Post Offices have remained open across the UK after being identified as a key service.

Nick Read, chief executive of the Post Office, said: "I'm incredibly proud of our postmasters and branch staff for their dedication to serving customers and keeping the largest retail network in the UK open for business during this difficult time.

"Every independent postmaster wanting to serve their community during the coronavirus outbreak should not face having to close their Post Office because of concerns over financial support.

"This remuneration guarantee backs postmasters for their dedication and hard work in keeping their Post Office open and making sure that some of the country's most vulnerable people can benefit from essential services."

Most of the 11,500 Post Office branches are still open despite the current crisis, although some close at short notice to allow for self-isolation or have reduced opening hours.

Perspex screens and other protective equipment such as gloves are being delivered to postmasters this week, and floor markers are being put in place to help customers stay two metres apart.

A Post Office spokeperson said: "The remuneration guarantee is irrespective of whether branches are open or not, or have reduced their hours.

"Post Office recognises that some branches have had to close through circumstances outside of their control such as self-isolation or sickness."


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