Fears for future of 400 post offices

Failure to renew An Post’s contract for social welfare payments in the coming weeks could lead to the immediate closure of 400 post offices and the loss of hundreds of jobs.

The contract is currently out to tender, with the Department of Social Protection expected to make a decision on a new two-year contract in the coming weeks.

While An Post is confident of having its contract renewed for the next 24 months, there is more concern over the long term; with the Government set to put a more permanent tender out in June, as it hopes to switch social welfare payments to an electronic transaction platform.