Jersey Post asks local businesses to 'deliver' for Islanders

Thursday 28 September 2023

Replacement post offices could be opened at several locations around the island following Co-op’s announcement that it will close four branches.

Jersey Post is asking local businesses in the areas of Pontac, Beaumont or Georgetown to register their interest in opening and managing a post office.

Beaumont, Georgetown and Pontac post offices will close on 27 October, whilst the post office in the Don Street store will close on 31 December.

Co-op said these closures were due with high running costs, a decline in business and postal volumes, and recruitment challenges.

Pictured: Mark Cox, Chief Executive Officer of the Co-op in the Channel Islands, said that closing the four post offices is the "only option" (Dave Ferguson).

But the Chief Minister has now confirmed in a response to a written question from Deputy Moz Scott that Jersey Post "is not seeking to close branches."

Deputy Kristina Moore added: "The provision of community and business postal and post office services is an operational matter for Jersey Post."

She further explained that the Treasury Minister is a "shareholder representative" with Jersey Post and "supports the provision of community and business postal and post office services where these are operationally and commercially viable."

"The decision to close four post offices was, accordingly, an operational decision taken following discussions between the Channel Islands Co-operative Society and Jersey Post. Full assessments for each branch were undertaken by Jersey Post."

"It is important to note that, after these four closures, there will be two main branches and 12 community branches operating across the Island," she added.

Responding to a written question on a similar topic from Reform Jersey's Deputy Rob Ward, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said: "Jersey Post's assessments identified minimal impact due to low transaction levels and close proximity to other branches."

Ben Shenton, chair of Age Concern, previously said that the closures were "disappointing" and would leave some vulnerable and elderly residents, particularly those who are less physically mobile, from accessing the post office and its services.

Any business interested in running a Post Office should visit here.