katieakita Posted 11 February 2016 Posted 11 February 2016 A veteran postmaster has been told his post office will close in March and he will not be re-employed despite a new branch opening nearby. More than 800 people have signed a petition to the Checklands Post Office, in Lonsdale Road, from closing. The campaign was part of a recent public consultation which ended in December. The Post Office has not officially announce the closure. A new branch will then open in Humberstone Lane, just half-a-mile from the other branch, but the veteran employee will not be offered a new job. Speaking yesterday, Mr Popat said: "They've backed me into a corner. "They sent me an email on Thursday saying I was closing and then another one on Friday giving me my final day. "Someone was supposed to come and explain everything to me, but I haven't seen anyone. "They haven't given me a reason, they just said I can resign and take the compensation, or stay here and they'll kick me out within three months anyway and I'll get nothing." Mr Popat said the new Post Office would be run on a smaller budget, and would not be able to cope with the needs of the community. Customer Jose Webb said she was disgusted with the decision to move the branch. "He is the nicest man," said the Thurmaston resident. "He can't do enough for you. His staff are lovely too. "The powers that be have decided, in their wisdom, to close the post office, even after 800-plus people have signed to keep it on Lonsdale Road." One of the main reasons for keeping the branch open in Lonsdale Road is due to the lack of parking in Humberstone Lane, said Mrs Webb. She added: "Have they gone completely barmy? "Who are these people that decide that 800-plus people who signed a petition do not have a say. "I am extremely angry. "The postmaster and his staff at the Lonsdale shop are very helpful and will be out of a job – one that they do exceptionally well." A Post Office spokeswoman said: "The consultation about this move has been completed but no decision has been announced yet. "When it is, we will issue a press release." Preview by Yahoo
Samilktray Posted 11 February 2016 Posted 11 February 2016 This is my local post office, sad times. Many a pair of trainers have been sold on eBay and sent off by Mr Popat, he's brought a smile to a lot of people's faces via my feet.
Guest Posted 12 February 2016 Posted 12 February 2016 Isn't the "new" post office just going to be part of the newsagent's? If it is you can understand why there isn't a position for him.
katieakita Posted 12 February 2016 Author Posted 12 February 2016 Isn't the "new" post office just going to be part of the newsagent's? If it is you can understand why there isn't a position for him. Just a cost cutting exercise but his staff should all keep their jobs, TUPE does apply to them
Guest Posted 12 February 2016 Posted 12 February 2016 Just a cost cutting exercise but his staff should all keep their jobs, TUPE does apply to them Yeah. He should have the opportunity elsewhere but when your cutting that becomes problematical. The best option is that the locals make his Post office financially worthwhile.
katieakita Posted 12 February 2016 Author Posted 12 February 2016 Yeah. He should have the opportunity elsewhere but when your cutting that becomes problematical. The best option is that the locals make his Post office financially worthwhile. Always use it or lose it but often work is undertaken with little or no pay. You can stamps cheaper than Mr Popat if yo go to Costco
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