Post Office launches ‘post office in a box’ trial

Post Office has introduced a ‘post office in a box’ concept to use in emergency situations at a branch.

Currently on trial in five locations, the 845mm by 845mm box, which operates on 4G technology, offers a range of services like cash withdrawals and deposits, bill payment services and the sending or collection of mail and parcels.

The new concept is intended to establish post office services quickly in scenarios such as:

• A branch has had to temporarily close due to adverse weather or damage.
• A branch has temporarily closed and there’s an opportunity to provide a service in a hosted retail unit or community space.
• There’s a location which has previously seen its post office close.

The trial is taking place in Poland Street, London; Newton Hall, Durham; Fakenham, Norfolk; Conwy, Wales and Stevenage High Street. A further 25 are due to be trialled within the next two months.

Post Office has also extended two of its access to cash products – ‘Payout Now’ and ‘Fast PACE’ available to all UK’s banks, building societies and credit unions as part of its emergency measures to tackle the coronavirus crisis.

The firm said the services will help self-isolating or vulnerable citizens affected by the pandemic to withdraw cash quickly from their normal accounts through any local Post Office branch, with the help of a friend, family member, carer or local support worker.

Payout Now is a voucher based product sent by SMS text, email or post to self-isolating customer who can share it with a trusted individual to withdraw cash on their behalf. Fast PACE allows a customer to arrange for a trusted individual to collect the cheque from them, cash it at Post Office, and return with the cash.

In order for customers to be able to take advantage of both of these products, they need to contact their bank or building society. Their banking provider will then inform the Post Office of the customer’s account details and the Post Office will then arrange for that customer to be able to withdraw cash at their local branch.