The Post Office saw income shoot up 17 per cent over Christmas as the pandemic boosted online shopping and parcel postage. 

The network, which has more than 11,500 branches, reported sales of £66.3m between November 30 and December 27 – up from £56.7m a year earlier. 

Postmasters who run shops should also see the variable chunk of their pay rise by around 20 per cent. 

A good sign: The network reported sales of £66.3m between November 30 and December 27 – up from £56.7m a year earlier

A good sign: The network reported sales of £66.3m between November 30 and December 27 – up from £56.7m a year earlier

A good sign: The network reported sales of £66.3m between November 30 and December 27 – up from £56.7m a year earlier

Despite the pandemic, Post Office customer transactions stayed roughly the same as last year, at 51.3m.

In the Drop & Go fast-track service for businesses and online parcel senders, sales jumped by 87 per cent. 

Its access to cash network was still popular – £1.56bn was deposited and £630m was withdrawn. 

Post Office chief executive Nick Read said: ‘Our physical presence has been vital across the UK, with customers enjoying the convenience, expert advice and safe hands that our postmasters offer.’

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This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk

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