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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the number of WHSmith stores with in-store post offices; and what assessment he has made of the potential implications for the long-term resilience of the postal service of forthcoming restructuring and job losses at WHSmith.

WHSmith’s restructuring programme is not expected to impact Post Office services provided in the 206 Post Offices operated within WHSmith stores.

The restructuring programme review of WHSmith’s operations is to ensure the company is able to navigate the current uncertain economic times, particularly as a result of the decline in travel during Covid-19. However, the Department has an open dialogue with both Post Office Limited and WHSmith and will keep monitoring the situation closely.