Cllr Asima Shaikh, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs
Cllr Asima Shaikh, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs

Islington Labour Councillors, together with Jeremy Corbyn MP, have written to Post Office Ltd to express their deep concerns over the proposed closure of Upper Holloway Crown Post Office and to urge them to reconsider their proposals.

Post Offices offer people vital services that affect their lives every day. From accessing social security support, to applying for passports. The Upper Holloway Crown Post Office, near Archway Station, offers the full range of services that local people rely on. It is a busy branch that, as a purpose-built Post Office, meets the needs of thousands of local people every year.

The proposed plans would see the existing branch closed and services re-located to inside Today’s Express store on Junction Road. The number of serving counters would be reduced from eight to five, and it is not yet known if a free-to-use Post Office cash machine will be available in the new site.

The existing branch is currently staffed by an experienced workforce, offering a high quality service to customers. It is not yet known how the new site will be staffed, what training new staff will receive and whether or not the working conditions of the new posts will be the same as that of the current workforce.

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Labour Council for Junction ward said:

“We are deeply concerned about what the proposed changes could mean for local residents and staff. We are particularly concerned as to whether the significantly smaller location would offer the same level of services and accessibility for customers, and that existing jobs at the Crown Post Office will be protected. We have writing to the Post Office to raise our concerns and to seek clarification about how these changes may affect local residents.”

In recent years, Islington has seen the closure of Highbury Corner Post Office and the franchising of Finsbury Park Post Office, making it harder for local people to access the services they rely on.

Cllr Asima Shaikh, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs said:

“Upper Holloway Post Office is a busy and much loved branch, which sits at the heart of the local community. We were extremely disappointed to learn of the planned closure of the branch and the negative impact it could have on both local residents and staff.

We are particularly concerned about the potential loss of jobs this move may result in and will be seeking reassurances from the Post Office that all current jobs will be protected and any new posts created within the new branch will offer equal working conditions, especially around pay and pensions.

“We will be campaigning alongside local residents and trade unions to oppose the planned closure and have requested an urgent meeting with the Post Office to raise concerns directly.

“It’s really important that local residents respond to the online consultation, before the 20th February”

The proposed plans and online consultation can be seen here.

Letter to Post Office Ltd
Letter to Post Office Ltd
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