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31/01/2002
Royal Mail monopoly could see liberalisation
The Royal Mail's monopoly over UK postal services could be about to come to an end within four years if recommendations made by industry regulator Postcomm are implemented.
Postcomm has described Consignia's hold on the sector as 'no longer justified' and has proposed a three-state plan towards liberalisation - commencing this year - detailing how Royal Mail services are to be opened to competition. As nearly 90 per cent of postal traffic is from businesses and government agencies, this would be the first aspect to be liberalised.
Consignia has reacted strongly against the suggestion, describing the idea as "death by a thousand cuts". The company warned that its losses are already in the region of around £1.5 million per day, and that increased levels of competition would only serve to compound the situation.
However, the chairman of Postcomm, Graham Corbett, said that he believed that Consignia needed to face competition, if its future was to be secured. He added: "The current postal monopoly is clearly not providing its customers with the service they want and is failing to contain its costs."
Consignia is already considering cutbacks aimed at saving around £1 billion a year in operating costs - which could see morning postal deliveries replaced by an afternoon delivery instead. The move would see business post being handled exclusively in the morning while deliveries to homes would be left until later in the day.
Unions and staff, however, have not reacted well to such developments as the proposed cost-cutting programme could see 15 per cent of the workforce made redundant. (CL)
Postcomm has described Consignia's hold on the sector as 'no longer justified' and has proposed a three-state plan towards liberalisation - commencing this year - detailing how Royal Mail services are to be opened to competition. As nearly 90 per cent of postal traffic is from businesses and government agencies, this would be the first aspect to be liberalised.
Consignia has reacted strongly against the suggestion, describing the idea as "death by a thousand cuts". The company warned that its losses are already in the region of around £1.5 million per day, and that increased levels of competition would only serve to compound the situation.
However, the chairman of Postcomm, Graham Corbett, said that he believed that Consignia needed to face competition, if its future was to be secured. He added: "The current postal monopoly is clearly not providing its customers with the service they want and is failing to contain its costs."
Consignia is already considering cutbacks aimed at saving around £1 billion a year in operating costs - which could see morning postal deliveries replaced by an afternoon delivery instead. The move would see business post being handled exclusively in the morning while deliveries to homes would be left until later in the day.
Unions and staff, however, have not reacted well to such developments as the proposed cost-cutting programme could see 15 per cent of the workforce made redundant. (CL)
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25 March 2002
Consignia axe 140 postal jobs in Northern Ireland
As part of a vast UK-wide Consignia cost-cutting programme 140 jobs are to go in Northern Ireland. Consignia said on Monday March 25 that the jobs will go at three Parcel Force depots in north Belfast, Londonderry and Portadown. These depots will close and will leave just one operating Parcelforce depot in Belfast’s Harbour Industrial Estate.
Consignia axe 140 postal jobs in Northern Ireland
As part of a vast UK-wide Consignia cost-cutting programme 140 jobs are to go in Northern Ireland. Consignia said on Monday March 25 that the jobs will go at three Parcel Force depots in north Belfast, Londonderry and Portadown. These depots will close and will leave just one operating Parcelforce depot in Belfast’s Harbour Industrial Estate.
04 February 2002
Postal deliveries disrupted following threat against worker
Postal deliveries were disrupted in Londonderry following a threat made against a Catholic postman who works in the Waterside area of the city. The warning was given during a phone call to the Samaritans on Sunday.
Postal deliveries disrupted following threat against worker
Postal deliveries were disrupted in Londonderry following a threat made against a Catholic postman who works in the Waterside area of the city. The warning was given during a phone call to the Samaritans on Sunday.
14 February 2003
Loyalist death threats condemned by postal unions
The Royal Mail have confirmed that they are treating loyalist death threats made against postal workers in Belfast seriously. Postal unions have condemned the threats and the Royal Mail are understood to be in discussions with police to increase security for postal workers. It is reported that two of the employees threatened are managers.
Loyalist death threats condemned by postal unions
The Royal Mail have confirmed that they are treating loyalist death threats made against postal workers in Belfast seriously. Postal unions have condemned the threats and the Royal Mail are understood to be in discussions with police to increase security for postal workers. It is reported that two of the employees threatened are managers.
08 February 2002
Royal Mail workers threaten strike action
A national postal strike could be on the cards if Royal Mail workers pursue industrial action in support of a 5 per cent pay rise.
Royal Mail workers threaten strike action
A national postal strike could be on the cards if Royal Mail workers pursue industrial action in support of a 5 per cent pay rise.
11 July 2002
FSB hit out at Consignia mail charge plans
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Northern Ireland has hit out at plans by Consignia to charge for early morning postal services. According to Consignia proposals revealed yesterday, businesses and individuals receiving less than 20 letters per day can expect delivery in the afternoon.
FSB hit out at Consignia mail charge plans
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Northern Ireland has hit out at plans by Consignia to charge for early morning postal services. According to Consignia proposals revealed yesterday, businesses and individuals receiving less than 20 letters per day can expect delivery in the afternoon.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
