An Post is to invite applications for voluntary severance from managers and staff across all its corporate center and support services from September.
The Voluntary Severance program will be offered to An Post HQ staff and a further 1,200 individuals, most based in the GPO. They will be able to apply for the scheme following a work redesign process, which has/will identified where roles could be eliminated.
Since this is the first significant HQ Voluntary Severance program for many years, it is estimated that 200-300 staff may leave the organization under recently agreed terms.
David McRedmond, CEO, An Post, said, “The voluntary leaver program is the latest step in An Post’s plan to modernize every aspect of the business as An Post transitions from the old mails world to the new world of e-commerce and digital services.
“We have made great strides in the frontline delivery service, relaunched our parcels business and reached agreement on the transformation of the post office network. A reshaped HQ will be core to achieving the vision of An Post in the new world.”
An Post will also explore options for the future location of its headquarters. The GPO headquarter offices were last refurbished when An Post was created out of the old Posts & Telegraphs (company?) in 1984. In addition to exploring refurbishment options for the GPO offices, the company will explore other locations appropriate to a leading, modern logistics and retailing company.
Recognizing the historic and social significance of the GPO, An Post will always maintain its main post office in the iconic building, regardless of any decision on the location of the company’s HQ.
McRedmond continued, “The company is determined to provide office accommodation fit for the business and its employees. The GPO offices are dilapidated and in their current form are no longer fit for purpose as the modern headquarter of one of Ireland’s leading companies.
“It is 34 years since the last refurbishment and this time lapse far exceeds the accepted norm of 15-20 years for an office refurbishment (and typical depreciation period of 10 years).
“Initial estimates to refurbish the building are extremely high, requiring a budget of tens of millions of euros, and will take a long time to complete, especially as much of the building is listed.
“The Board of An Post has agreed that I explore potential alternative locations in addition to the refurbishment option. We have made no decisions yet and will consult with staff, unions and government (the owner of the GPO). We are proud to call the GPO home but our commitment is to modernize our business for all our customers and our frontline staff.”
Earlier this year, An Post announced a return to profit and growth, having achieved a 30% increase in parcel volumes to help offset an 8% decline in traditional mail, and the establishment of two distinct businesses – An Post Mails & Parcels and An Post Retail – under the An Post Group.