Post Office Locals need more work

EFFORTS to provide postal services in stores and petrol stations are struggling after research revealed problems such as inaccurate product and pricing advice.

Consumer Focus said the Post Office Locals offered potential benefits such as longer opening hours and greater convenience.

But a study, based on mystery shopping at more than 100 branches, found that more than one in six customers could not access a service which should have been available, privacy was often found to be poor, while cash payments could not be made in some cases.

Mike O’Connor, chief executive of Consumer Focus, said: “Changes are needed to put the post office network on a more sustainable financial footing.

“Communities rely on their local post office, so everything possible must be done to make sure that all elements of Post Office Locals are working well for customers, given the planned national roll-out.

“This report shows a mixed picture and further work is needed to make sure millions of customers receive a good quality and reliable service.

“Everyone will welcome longer opening hours, but they would also expect most core post office services to be available.”