A union has raised concerns over the future of its members who work in post offices operating inside WH Smith stores.
WH Smith is in talks over a potential sale of its High Street stores as the company has become more focused on its stores at airports and service and train stations.
It has raised questions about the future of 195 post offices housed in High Street stores. The Communications Workers Union (CWU), which represents post office staff in stores, warned that any potential closure would be “devastating”.
A Post Office spokesperson told the BBC the company had remained in contact with the retailer over its plans.
As the potential sale of WH Smith’s high street sale emerged over the weekend, the BBC has been contacted by many people asking about the fate of post offices in stores.
WH Smith said its high street stores remained a “profitable, cash-generating part of the group”, and it was exploring various options “including a possible sale”.
He added: “There can be no certainty that an agreement will be reached, and further updates will be provided as and when appropriate.”
The BBC understands that the trading relationship between the retailer and the Post Office is strong, with benefits for both parties, therefore any potential new buyers could maintain the current arrangement.
The announcement comes amid a tough economic outlook for high street retailers.
The first of WH Smith’s 500 stores opened over 230 years ago, operating as a news seller. It has since grown into a major high street and travel retailer.
The commercial side of WH Smith’s retail business – which operates from airports, train stations and hospitals – now accounts for more than 85% of its profits and operates 1,200 stores in 32 countries.
The Post Office said it had been in contact with WH Smith to “find out more about their plans for their high street stores”.
A CWU spokesperson said any potential closures would be “devastating, but they are unfortunately all too predictable”.
“For too long, some communities have been turned into postal deserts, and bad economic decisions are eroding high streets up and down the country,” the union said.
