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Message
From: Glenn Chester
Sent: 08/10/2012 08:
To: NT Questions;
cc: David Southall:
Subject: 213859 Angus Road termination letter - Discretionary Payment
Scott
Further to David's e-mail below, it might help if I give you some background information on the reasons why Mr
Macaldowie was issued with three months notice. On the 15.11.11 an audit was undertaken at his branch which resulted
in an unexplained shortage of £9312.81 being revealed. It was also noted that the cash on hand at the branch had not
been declared accurately since 08.08.11. From subsequent enquiries undertaken, it was clear that Mr Macaldowie was
suffering with a severe depressive illness and had been for a number of years. Mr Macaldowie’s family were able to
provide documentary medical evidence to this effect. This illness clearly affected his ability to manage the branch
effectively and cope when faced with pressure. Whilst we were unable to identify the actual cause of the shortage
discovered at audit, Mr Macaldowie, with the assistance of family members, was able to repay the shortage in full. It also
has to be noted that the Post Office Security Team, having taken into account Mr Macaldowie's medical condition decided
not to interview him and take the case any further. Due to the sensitive nature of this case, I worked closely with Andrew
Gilhooly (NFSP Executive Officer) who acted as a liaison with the family. Whilst it was clear that serious failings had
occurred at the branch ie. Large unexplained shortage, cash declarations not completed accurately etc; it was clear that
Mr Macaldowie's illness had contributed to this and I therefore considered that it would not be in the best interests of Post
Office Ltd to summary terminate Mr Macaldowie's contract for services but that his contract be terminated by 3 months
notice with pay.
Noting the sensitive nature of this case, I think a decision needs to be taken at a higher level than that of either myself or
David on whether Mr Macaldowie's previous service should be taken into account — I'm not sure who would make this
decision? I’m more than happy to discuss the case further if you need any additional information. Many thanks.
Regards
Glenn
Agent Contract Manager
Mobex_
From: David Southall
Sent: 05 October 2012 14:36
To: NT Questions
Cc: Glenn Chester
Subject: RE: RE: 213859 Angus Road termination letter
Hi Scott
Thanks for your email.
Although I didn’t deal with the Conduct Case — Glenn Chester did and I have copied him in should he wish to comment — Mr Keith
Macaldowie was issued with three months notice following his suspension as subpostmaster with his last day of service being 28
December 2011. A temporary agent — independent of the Macaldowies — ran the branch during Mr Macaldowie’s suspension and after
the termination of his contract by three months notice. Mrs Macaldowie applied for the position of subpostmaster and was appointed
earlier this year.
Whilst I unaware of the process you need to follow I suspect Mr Macaldowie’s service should not be taken into account
Hope this helps — please call if you want to discuss
Many Thanks
David
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David Southall
Agent Contract Advisor
Post Office Ltd - Agents Contract Deployment Team North
Network Services
External email: david.southalé i
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Fro IT Questions
Sent: 05 October 2012 13:56
To: David Southall
Subject: FW: RE: 213859 Angus Road termination letter
David
I work in Network Transformation. We have a SPMR who wants to leave the network with a discretionary termination
payment under the programme. She is querying the figure that we have presented to her. She has only been the SPMR
since April and we are offering a pro rata figure. She believes she should receive more as she took over from her
Husband. The thing is we don’t know why her husband left the Post Office. If he left due to health issues we may work
out her payment to include a full year. Would you know and be allowed to tell why he left the Post Office? The Office in
question is Angus Road and the SPMR at the moment is Mrs Deborah Macaldowie, therefore I suspect her husband is a
Mr Macaldowie.
Many thanks
Scott Martin
Regional Issues and Resolution Manager
Network Transformation Programme
Post Office Ltd
‘I scott.martin
"On behalf of our Customers and Stakeholders, in line with our Strategy, with care, passion and trust, we will transform
the Post Office network"
Sent: 05 October 2012 13:41
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To: NT Questions
Cc: Linda Bonar
Subject: RE: RE: 213859 Angus Road termination letter
Hi
You need to ask the contract manager not the agent. Bit risky asking a question like that to an agent.
From: NT Questions
Sent: 05 October 2012 09:35
To: Chris N Howard
Cc: Linda Bonar
Subject: RE: RE: 213859 Angus Road termination letter
Chris
V've just spoke to Linda the FCA and she said that the SPMR would not divulge why the SPMR’s husband left but it seems
that he resigned, so not illness.
Cheers
Scott Martin
Regional Issues and Resolution Manager
Network Transformation Programme
Post Office Ltd
SCLV 9HQ
"On behalf of our Customers and Stakeholders, in line with our Strategy, with care, passion and trust, we will transform
the Post Office network"
From: Chris N Howard
Sent: 05 October 2012 08:08
To: NT Questions
Cc: Benedict Addy; NT Supplier Team
Subject: RE: RE: 213859 Angus Road termination letter
Hi Scott
Yes - do we know why the husband ceased and it went to temp instead of direct transfer — was it illness? Depending on
background we'll compile a final confirmation offer based on the extended period.
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Cheers
From: NT Questions
Sent: 04 October 2012 17:01
To: Chris N Howard
Cc: Benedict Addy; NT Supplier Team
Subject: FW: RE: 213859 Angus Road termination letter
@ Chris and Ben
egards this office. It looks as if the
le bac! nt had taken over from her hus
ation to work the termination figure to.
From: Linda Bonar
Sent: 03 October 2012 13:24
To: NT Programme Office
Cc: Shirley Hailstones
Subject: RE: 213859 Angus Road termination letter
Hi,
I visited Deborah Macaldowie, the agent at the above office yesterday as they had expressed a preference to possibly
leave the network through NT programme. The termination letter I had for Mrs Macaldowie stated an estimated
termination payment of £7040.27, which the agent thought was incorrect as the remuneration on the data pack for the
last year was £18348.
It was established that she had only been appointed as agent since April 2012, as previously her husband was the agent
& then a temporary agent before she took over. I contacted NT yesterday whilst in the branch & Michael at NT
questions was able to confirm that this was the reason for the low estimate after contacting Chris Howard, although
they thought that the amount was still possibly incorrect. Would it be possible to have this amount checked and a new
estimated payment provided.
Thank You
Linda.
Linda Bonar
Network Transformation Field Change Advisor
Post Office Ltd - Network Services
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We will transform & maintan our network to deliver a 21° century Post Office”
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