New research highlights that many post offices are struggling to keep their doors open as subpostmasters report a drop in income.<br/><br/>

Thousands of post offices are struggling to survive as subpostmasters see a fall in their income over the past year, according to a new survey.

Research conducted by the National Federation of SubPostmasters showed that two-thirds of those questioned had seen their income drop or remain the same in the past year, with over half earning less than £1,000 a month.

It also emerged that many subpostmasters are relying on their savings to keep going, with rising costs related to both staffing and overheads increasing.

Federation general secretary George Thomson said: "This situation is not sustainable. Our survey clearly shows that the post office network is not out of the woods despite the recent closure programme and the livelihoods of subpostmasters remain at risk."

He called on the government to step up efforts to "tangible new work" for post offices, adding that unless this occurs the UK will face more post office closures.

Last week, it was reported that the post office in the Cumbrian village of Gilsland had closed its doors.


Article Added: 03/07/2009 09:52:30