A union has claimed up to 3,000 jobs will be lost and is threatening strike action following the annoucement of plans to open 70 Post Offices in high street retailer WHSmith.
The deal, which follows a pilot scheme, will see existing post office outlets relocated to WHSmith stores an average of 250 metres from the original site, the retailer said.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said the plans would have a detrimental impact on the quality of services that is provided to both businesses and the public.
All members employed by the Post Office will be consulted for national strike action, the union said.
CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey said “This is a devastating blow for employees and customers alike, and the sole reason to these plans is for profit purposes only.
“Specialist, highly skilled staff who have provided years of dedicated service are now being substituted for inexperienced staff on poverty wages.”
WHSmith said there was a “natural fit” between its brand and the post office.
