Royal Mail Sale Must Not Jeopardise Jobs - Ritchie

SDLP MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie MP has hit out at the UK government's upcoming privatisation of the postal service.

Ms Ritchie stated: "It is clear that the sale of Royal Mail is imminent and that the British government are rushing through this sale to boost Treasury coffers at the expense of a vital public service.

"I want absolute clarification that jobs will be protected and that whoever buys Royal Mail will be committed to providing services in rural areas. This sale must not lead to the spiralling consumer costs and reduced service provision that we have seen with previous privatisations.

"I am concerned that, despite assurances from the government, this is the beginning of the end for the six day a week universal flat price service. Once market pressures and the demands of private ownership take hold we are likely to see these long standing commitments watered down and eroded."

(CD/JP)