CONSIGNIA CUTS WERE AVOIDABLE

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Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, has reacted angrily to the news that Consignia is to cut up to 40,000 jobs over the next three years.

"Consignia has serious problems," admitted Mr.Davey, "but the signs were there a long time ago and I trust that when the job cuts begin they will start with the senior management who have made the mistakes."

Consignia's first round of cuts are aimed at its loss-making Parcelforce business, but urban post offices are also expected to come under attack, with closures to follow. The Royal Mail name is also set to replace the much derided Consignia brand.

"The return of the Royal Mail name is very welcome. But why has it taken so long for them to realise what everyone else knew all along - that the rebranding of Consignia was a very expensive and serious error of judgement?" asked Mr.Davey.

"The mass closure of urban post offices is of great concern. Post offices are vital parts of our communities, offering many important services and providing a focal point for local residents," he said.

"The Government must make sure that there is a proper appeal system in place to enable local residents' opinions to be taken into account if our post offices are proposed for closure. There also needs to be a better process to enable new post offices to be opened where there's a need," argued Mr.Davey. "A viable and comprehensive post office network for everyone must be the result of this unfortunate shake-up."