Fears of ‘postal deserts’ as owner of former WH Smith stores puts counters under threat
Summary
The owner of the former WH Smith high street stores, now called TG Jones, plans to change contracts with the Post Office to allow easier and quicker closure of post office counters inside its shops. This could lead to many post offices closing, risking the loss of postal services in some communities.Key Facts
- TG Jones operates 180 post offices and may close up to 60 of them under a new plan.
- Modella, a private equity firm that bought WH Smith’s high street business, wants to cut rent for many stores.
- Landlords may end leases instead of accepting lower rent, which could close about 150 TG Jones stores and cost many jobs.
- Changes to Post Office contracts would let stores close with only 56 days’ notice instead of six months.
- Eight stores are already set to close, with seven containing Post Office counters in locations across England and Scotland.
- If a post office inside a store closes, the service will try to move elsewhere or shut entirely in that area.
- The Communications Workers Union warned closures would create “postal deserts,” meaning areas without local post office services.
- Modella said the restructuring aims to save the business amid weak sales and higher costs, and the Post Office has pledged support.
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