Rainhill postmaster one of leaders calling for Post Office changes

Sara Barlow, from Rainhill, has been the owner of the Rainhill Post Office, on Warrington Road, for the past four years.

A recipient of the British Empire Medal for her services to the community, Sara noted how postmasters were classed as key workers throughout the pandemic as they provided a vital resource for local residents.

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Sara was honoured with a British Empire Medal for her services to Rainhill in 2021 (Image: Sara Barlow)

However, with postmasters' pay dependent on the income of their shop, which has been impacted by rising electricity bills and Royal Mail strikes, Sara said employees are "underpaid and overworked", with some postmasters said to be taking home less than minimum wage.

With postmasters being "pushed to the edge", Sara said that the Post Office "will have another scandal as big as Horizon" if things don't improve; which relates to the case of more than 700 postmasters who were falsely prosecuted for faulty accounting software.

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Sara, 49, said: "After the difficulties of the pandemic and declining footfall at other Post Offices, we are lucky to be doing really well in Rainhill and have a busy shop that is loved by our customers.

"We provide a service that is vital in our communities but an increasing number of postmasters are dissatisfied with the Post Office's operation.

"We are only paid from the shop's earnings and when you take out wages, rent, overheads, and rising electricity bills, we are working more and getting busier, but for less pay."

Sara helped to deliver 200 Indian meals dressed in a Sari from Rainhill restaurant Blue Mango during the pandemic (Image: Sara Barlow)

Sara, who is also a Parish Councillor in Rainhill, is the secretary of an online 'Voice of the Postmaster' group, which has more than 750 members calling for immediate change.

Declaring a list of demands from their employer, the postmasters state they want a fair pay packet that takes into account the cost of living and overheads, the right to democratic and independent representation, and the truth about the future of all Post Office branches.

The Rainhill postmaster also said they are calling on the government for increased funding for Post Offices to help with rising costs.

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The postmaster is also a Parish Councillor in Rainhill (Image: Sara Barlow)

Sara, who said she has thought about selling the shop due to current stresses, added: "I know there are lots of issues with strikes and the cost of living at the moment, but we are desperate for action.

"It's heartbreaking hearing some of the stories from other postmasters, because after all their hard work during the pandemic, we feel burned out and pushed to the edge."

The Warrington Road Post Office in Rainhill is said to be a vital service to the community (Image: Google Images)

In response to the concerns of postmasters like Sara, a spokesperson from the Post Office said:

"This is the most challenging economic climate retailers have faced in decades and we fully recognise the pressures Postmasters face to keep their branch open and serving their local community.

“Post Office increased remuneration rates in August to support Postmasters, including a one-off lump sum to help with the difficult winter ahead. 

"We have also secured partnerships with Amazon, DPD and DHL Express to help increase footfall for our postmasters and have just announced a new trial partnership with Evri.

“However, we made clear to postmasters in August that further help, particularly with energy costs, would be required from the UK Government who is the sole shareholder of the Post Office.

"The Energy Bill Relief Scheme announced in September that provides saving until the end of March 2023 is not only welcome but vital. 

“The immediate priority is for post offices to be considered ‘particularly vulnerable’ for further support by the UK Government when it announces the conclusion of its review of energy support by the end of December.

Postmasters and employees were classed as key workers during the pandemic (Image: PA)

“Postmasters demonstrated through the Covid-19 pandemic that they are there in person to help every community in the country. 

"They continue to provide essential services, including over eight million £400 payments across the UK as part of the consumer Energy Bill Support Scheme.

"If postmasters lose the support for their business energy costs, this could significantly affect their ability to stay open and help millions of people access the help they need.”