Post office closures are called "illogical"

The CWU communication workers' union has described plans to close 2,500 UK post offices - around a fifth of the post office network - as a "devastating blow".

Following a consultation exercise launched at the end of 2006, trade and industry secretary Alistair Darling confirmed the closures last month, citing "unsustainable" financial losses of £4 million a week and fewer customers every year.

The closures will take place over the next two years. So far there are no details of locations of closures or potential job losses. In addition to the closures, Darling restated the government's intention to privatise 85 Crown Post Offices with 70 going to high street retailer W H Smith. The transfer of these is due to begin later this year.

The CWU described the moves as "completely illogical", and undermined the "crucial social role in communities" played by local post offices.

CWU assistant general secretary Andy Furey said: "Unfortunately it seems the government had already premeditated the future of the 2,500 post offices across the UK throughout the sham that was called a consultation period."

He added that thousands of submissions were made during the consultation period, but it was "questionable" whether the government took any notice of these. Furey added: "This is a devastating blow for millions of people across the UK as post offices are a vital and integral part of society."