Three post offices to close

Three post offices will be closed later this year but no jobs will be lost, Government announced today.

The closure of the sub-post offices St. David's, Harrington Sound and Somerset Bridge will take effect from November 1.

Deputy Premier Michael Dunkley said the moved would save around $75,000.

He added: “In closing these three sites no jobs will be lost.

“While some staff will be transferred to other areas into vacant posts, I wish to assure residents that home delivery of mail in these areas will continue.

“In keeping with the spirit of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, this morning a team from the Ministry has already met with representatives of the Bermuda Industrial Union, the Bermuda Public Services Union and the affected staff to advise them of these changes.
“The immediate savings resulting from these closures will be about $75,000; however, as part of the closure plan, the Government is considering options including the sale, lease or alternate use of the sites, each of which would realize further savings or additional revenue.”

The announcement comes after the SAGE Commission made a series of recommendations about ways the Post Office could be made more efficient.

Mr Dunkley added: “The Government is considering options including the sale, lease or alternate use of the sites, each of which would realize further savings or additional revenue.
“Additionally, the Post Office will communicate directly with affected residents regarding their post boxes and at-home delivery and every effort will be taken to make a seamless transition to different mail delivery and collection.
“It may be useful to provide an example of the unsustainable nature of the current way we do business.