Part and Parcel: The Economic and Social Value of Post Office
More than parcels
Post Office is more than a place to send parcels. It’s an anchor for communities and a driver of economic growth. Independent research by London Economics (2023) shows that Post Office contributes £4.7 billion to the UK economy every year - more than Heathrow Airport. For every £1 spent by Post Office, an additional £1.51 is generated across the wider economy.
With 11,500+ branches, we’re the UK’s largest retail network. 99.7% of people live within three miles of a Post Office, making us a vital part of everyday life.
Connecting people and business
We’re a trusted presence on high streets and in rural communities. Our network supports 50,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the UK and sustains local businesses by driving footfall. Our postmasters and partners are at the heart of this impact.
Powering local economies
Post Office provides essential services that keep the UK connected:
- Access to cash and banking: We handle over £3 billion in cash transactions every month, protecting access as bank branches continue to close.
- Mail and parcels: Supporting e-commerce and personal connections nationwide.
- Government and identity services: From passport renewals to digital ID checks.
We also enable small businesses to thrive. Nearly 3 in 10 SMEs use Post Office weekly for deposits and mailing services, valuing our network at nearly £1 billion a year.
Key findings from the report
- Economic Impact: £4.7bn annually; £5.8m per parliamentary constituency.
- Social Value: Nearly £4bn per year - 16.5 times greater than government funding.
- Community Role: Post Office is “more than just a shop,” supporting vulnerable and excluded groups and acting as a lifeline for rural areas.