Royal Mail gun part ban ‘threatens jobs’

GAMEKEEPERS have raised fears Royal Mail plans to ban the ­carriage of guns and components will force rural businesses to close.

Royal Mail has launched a consultation proposing that all firearms, including sporting guns and components, be prohibited on its services.

Despite claims its impact will be “minimal”, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) said it would directly lead to rural job losses as gunsmiths will no longer be able to post spares to customers in remote areas.

The organisation is now urging its 5,300 members to register concerns by the consultation closing date of 17 September.

SGA chairman Alex Hogg said: “Should this come to pass, it will have a direct impact on peoples’ livelihoods. The gun shops will not be able to post parts to customers, so that trade will be cut off.

“Other carriers charge much higher prices so the costs will make it prohibitive for legitimate stockists and their clients to do business remotely.

“The only alternative would be for people to get in their cars and travel hundreds of miles to pick up parts. At a time when there is major concerns already over fuel costs in rural areas, this is another nail in the coffin for honest people trying to do their jobs in the countryside.”

A similar plan was mooted by Royal Mail in September 2004 but was thrown out by regulators.

A spokesman at TW Chambers and Co in Ross-shire, which supports ten posts, said: “We spend thousands of pounds every month with Royal Mail, sending parts all over. If this comes to pass, we will have to shut the door and we won’t be the only ones.”