More than 2,700 people responded to the consultation about the future of the Post Office.

Managers there have warned the big changes are likely to come after it made a loss.

But, as the Manx Independent reported in a front page story last month, unions say they’ll consider action if there are cuts.

The Post Office asked people for their views on how it could ’adapt its letter and parcel deliveries and post office services in the community to suit demand in a financially responsible way’.

The consultation ran for six weeks and local residents, businesses and other customers were encouraged to get involved.

Julie Edge MHK, the chairman of the Isle of Man Post Office, said: ’I wish to thank everyone who took the time to participate and provide their opinions on what they expect from us in the future as a modern postal business.

’The Isle of Man Post Office has a very proud heritage with a loyal and dedicated team providing trusted services that meet the needs of the community. This we wish to continue however, not at any cost and so change is necessary.’

The consultation followed the initiation of a strategy by the board and its staff to modernise the authority.

Bosses there say the results of the public consultation will now be analysed, to ’inform’ further discussions with customers, staff, unions, sub postmasters, local commissioners and other parts of government on the key issues and the future service options available.

They say this will ’allow the final direction and choices to utilise the unique attributes, capabilities and social value of the Isle of Man Post Office to be fully considered by the board, before being taken to Tynwald where the final decisions on key changes will be made’.

The Post Office made a £1.2m loss in 2017/18.

This is the first loss in the history of organisation.

A press release says this emphasises ’the need for the business to adapt its current operations and practices to ensure it is financially responsible in delivering services that meet the changing needs and expectations of its valued customers’.

That would suggest that change is definitely on the way, no matter what the consultation finds.

Ms Edge said: ’Our commercial success, which has historically helped to sustain an overall profit, is no longer sufficient to offset the increasing costs of providing the service obligations under the Post Office Act.

’The board is focused on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of services, while actively seeking new business and enhanced delivery opportunities.’

What do you think?

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