Scarborough Post Office apologises for sporadic closures as it faces staff shortage

Residents had raised concerns that the Westborough branch has been found to be repeatedly closed, despite advertised operating hours suggesting it would be open.

The Post Office said it was sorry for the inconvenience and added that the erratic opening hours are being caused by a shortage of staff.

WHSmith, which operates the branch, said it is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

There are signs at the branch which state that it is currently opening 9am-1pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9am-3pm on Tuesdays, normal hours on Thursdays and Fridays, and closed Saturdays and Sundays.

There were an estimated 953,000 job vacancies in May to July 2021, a record high, according to the Office for National Statistics. Businesses across the country have faced difficulties in recruiting staff.

The Westborough Post Office branch inside WHSmith opened in May 2019 after the company made the decision to relocate from Aberdeen Walk.

A Post Office spokesperson said: "Unfortunately Scarborough Post Office is experiencing some temporary staffing shortages, which is impacting on the branch opening hours.

"WHSmith, which operates this branch, is working hard to resolve this issue as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Alternative Post Office branches are available on Falsgrave Road, South Cliff on Filey Road and Newlands Park on Newlands Park Drive.