Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government has (a) sought and (b) obtained guarantees from WH Smith that post office staff will not be (i) made redundant and (ii) moved to roles with (A) poorer working conditions and (B) lower pay after their branches are franchised.

As an independent organisation, the Government has no in the day to day running of the Post Office. However, the Post Office has been clear in its duty of care for any staff affected. Staff affected have the right to transfer their employment to the franchise partner under protected existing terms and conditions in line with Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations (TUPE) or voluntarily leave with a settlement.