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24/01/2002
Report cautions against postal reforms
A new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has cautioned against plans to introduce greater levels of competition in the UK postal sector, describing the likely outcome as increased prices and worsening service.
The report focused on the findings of postal regulator Postcomm, which has been granting limited licences, since its creation in March of last year, for the collection and delivery of items costing less than £1. So far six companies have successfully received licences to do so, operating within clearly defined geographical areas.
However, the NAO has warned that if Postcomm’s proposals for further liberalisation of the sector are carried through, the outcome would be a dilution of the current levels of service, with no guarantee against price rises.
However, the NAO conceded that without competition, Consignia – the new corporate identity of the Royal Mail – would have no reason to improve on its currently poor levels of performance, and would continue to struggle with deliveries and worsening industrial relations between management and staff.
Recently, talks have been held between Consignia managers and union representatives with the hope of averting further instances of strike action from staff at the Royal Mail.
Royal Mail staff have been rocked by recent developments which include a cost-cutting programme which could see 15 per cent of the workforce made redundant.
CWU is currently preparing to issue ballot papers in preparation for strike action during the next few months, and while the outcome is due next month, it is thought the UK could see a national postal strike as early as March. (CL)
The report focused on the findings of postal regulator Postcomm, which has been granting limited licences, since its creation in March of last year, for the collection and delivery of items costing less than £1. So far six companies have successfully received licences to do so, operating within clearly defined geographical areas.
However, the NAO has warned that if Postcomm’s proposals for further liberalisation of the sector are carried through, the outcome would be a dilution of the current levels of service, with no guarantee against price rises.
However, the NAO conceded that without competition, Consignia – the new corporate identity of the Royal Mail – would have no reason to improve on its currently poor levels of performance, and would continue to struggle with deliveries and worsening industrial relations between management and staff.
Recently, talks have been held between Consignia managers and union representatives with the hope of averting further instances of strike action from staff at the Royal Mail.
Royal Mail staff have been rocked by recent developments which include a cost-cutting programme which could see 15 per cent of the workforce made redundant.
CWU is currently preparing to issue ballot papers in preparation for strike action during the next few months, and while the outcome is due next month, it is thought the UK could see a national postal strike as early as March. (CL)
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10 February 2006
Missing post costs Royal Mail £11.7m
Postal services watchdog, Postcomm, is proposing to fine Royal Mail £11.7m over "serious breaches" of its licence obligations to protect the mail and deliver it on time. Launched in 2004, the Postcomm review found that important features of Royal Mail's procedures were not being applied across the business.
Missing post costs Royal Mail £11.7m
Postal services watchdog, Postcomm, is proposing to fine Royal Mail £11.7m over "serious breaches" of its licence obligations to protect the mail and deliver it on time. Launched in 2004, the Postcomm review found that important features of Royal Mail's procedures were not being applied across the business.
17 May 2005
Royal Mail workers benefit from record profits
Royal Mail workers are set to receive bonuses of £1,074, following the announcement of record profits of £537 million for the year 2004-05. The national mail service reported the record profits today – an increase of 144% on the £220 million profits announced in the last financial year.
Royal Mail workers benefit from record profits
Royal Mail workers are set to receive bonuses of £1,074, following the announcement of record profits of £537 million for the year 2004-05. The national mail service reported the record profits today – an increase of 144% on the £220 million profits announced in the last financial year.
14 June 2002
Binning of Consignia sparks call for all-island service
SDLP spokesperson on Employment, John Dallat MLA, has said the announcement by Consignia to cut 17,000 jobs UK wide was further evidence for the need to create an all-island postal service.
Binning of Consignia sparks call for all-island service
SDLP spokesperson on Employment, John Dallat MLA, has said the announcement by Consignia to cut 17,000 jobs UK wide was further evidence for the need to create an all-island postal service.
17 November 2005
Royal Mail profits boosted by parcels
Royal Mail has reported a rise in profits, despite a seeing a fall in earnings in its letter business. The group reported a 20.5% increase in operating profit to £159 million for the first half of 2005/06 – a £27 million improvement on the same period the previous year.
Royal Mail profits boosted by parcels
Royal Mail has reported a rise in profits, despite a seeing a fall in earnings in its letter business. The group reported a 20.5% increase in operating profit to £159 million for the first half of 2005/06 – a £27 million improvement on the same period the previous year.
27 April 2004
Royal Mail sizes up ditching weight price policy
Royal Mail has announced new pricing plans, which would allow it to price mail by size rather than weight. The state-owned operator claimed that the changes were needed, so that it could continue to provide a ‘one-price-goes-anywhere’ postal service and has called on UK postal regulator Postcomm to give the go-ahead for the new policy plan.
Royal Mail sizes up ditching weight price policy
Royal Mail has announced new pricing plans, which would allow it to price mail by size rather than weight. The state-owned operator claimed that the changes were needed, so that it could continue to provide a ‘one-price-goes-anywhere’ postal service and has called on UK postal regulator Postcomm to give the go-ahead for the new policy plan.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
