Post Office: Franchising Programme
Further to LTBs 105/25, 107/25, 147/25, 155/25 and 171/25. This morning, Post Office announced that the franchise partner for Inverness Crown Office will be Co-op. An online meeting with the Inverness members took place with management this morning, and Richard Titterington, Territorial Rep (covering for Carole Bowmaker), was involved to provide support. This means that Post Office has now made announcements regarding all 108 Crowns and has advised our members of the franchise partners, the details of which are attached.
Unwelcome Potential for Double TUPE – Eight Crowns
As reported in LTB171/25, members in eight Crowns are facing the possibility of a double TUPE, which we have strongly objected to. Dave Ward, General Secretary, and I have had positive discussions today with the Post Office Chairman, CEO and Chief People Officer and a proposal has been put to us that would avoid the double TUPE position. We believe there is merit in the Post Office proposal; however, the detail will need to be finalised before we are in a position to communicate more fully on this matter with the impacted members. The affected Crowns, which are not due to be franchised until the 2nd week of November are as follows:CoshamPortsmouthKirkwallPrestwichMerthyr TydfilStornowayPort TalbotYate Sodbury
Further developments regarding this matter will be reported to our Territorial Reps and directly to the members.
Legal Advice from Unionline for Members’ Settlement Agreements
Members are reminded that if they decline to TUPE and opt to take an enhanced severance package, the union is happy to recommend the services of Unionline, who have extensive experience in assisting with Settlement Agreements.
At our request, Post Office has facilitated three online sessions this with Unionline to assist members in accessing these services. At the time of writing, two of these sessions have taken place and there is a degree of interest from members in accessing support from Unionline. The contact email address is postoffice@unionline.co.uk or if members would prefer to call Unionline – the number is 0300 333 0303 (option 2) – please ask to be directed to Diarmuid Deeney, Solicitor.
If members have any questions regarding either the terms of the financial settlement, TUPE or bumping, they should contact their Territorial Rep in the first instance.
Yours sincerely,
Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary
LTB 178/25 – Post Office – Franchising Programme
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
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