TG Jones stores: more than a third of post offices set to shut by early 2027
Closures exceed earlier fears
Before creditors approved Modella’s restructuring in July, the chain’s 180 post offices faced the possibility that as many as 60 would close. The eventual wave is described as more than a third of the network.
The closures follow a summer announcement that 52 post offices in Morrisons Daily convenience stores will shut this year. Some are near TG Jones locations, as Morrisons plans to close 100 small stores it says are loss-making.
Services at risk in communities
Many affected sites took the place of former crown post offices. That network of more than 100 directly operated larger branches is now almost entirely closed; it offered services including identity and passport checks, driving licence services and banking operations.
The Post Office has said it is trying to find new operators for the TG Jones locations. Stirling is the only site to have reopened so far, while a permanent replacement for Ipswich is due to open in November. Temporary branches are planned after closures in Maidenhead and Uxbridge.
Post Office seeks replacements
The Post Office said there was interest in taking on every confirmed closure. In some locations, it said, more than 40 postmasters had applied, recognising the footfall a post office can bring to a store. It said it was committed to replacing every closing branch and was working to advance applications quickly.
After more than 6,800 bank branches closed across the UK, the Post Office said it plays a critical role in protecting access to services. Its operators already run 250 banking hubs across the country, combining services from several banking brands.
Union criticises cost-cutting
Meade said the TG Jones closures reflected a long-term effort to cut costs and pursue profit, with insufficient regard for communities that rely on post office services. The CWU said the Post Office should protect and expand access rather than oversee further network reductions.
WH Smith travel stores in railway stations, hospitals and airports were not included in the Modella deal. They remain owned by the original, stock market-listed parent company.
Key points
- More than a third of TG Jones post offices are set to close by early 2027.
- The chain operated 180 post offices before Modella’s restructuring received creditor approval in July.
- Only Stirling has reopened after a TG Jones closure; a permanent Ipswich replacement is due in November.
- The Post Office says it is committed to replacing every closing TG Jones branch.