Postmasters who have ignored the Post Office guidance on political issues have been reminded not to wear Palestine Flag badges  or any other political symbols while on duty.

This follows a complaint after a Jewish customer was distressed to find the postmaster in her local branch sporting a Palestinian Flag, while serving her.  She reported this to UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), who wrote to the Post Office about the issue.

UKLFI pointed out to the Post Office that the display of a Palestine badge indicates support for the Palestinian cause, and conversely opposition to the State of Israel.  This is the flag that appears in the “hate marches” that have occurred on most Saturdays since 7 October 2023.  Therefore Jewish or Israeli customers are liable to be intimidated by seeing a Palestine badge, apparently authorised by the Post Office, on display as part of the Post Office outfit, which creates a hostile and intimidating atmosphere for them.

UKLFI explained that postmasters displaying this badge could breach Section 29 of the Equalities Act 2010 by harassing Jewish or Israeli customers.

The Post Office responded by explaining its extremely strict rules in relation to political activities within its premises.  They said that they recognised that political matters can be divisive and provide guidance to their postmaster network that, although they are free to take part in any national and local political activities, this is subject to the following conditions:

1. They should not engage in or allow any of their members of staff to engage in political activities (including wearing symbols or badges associated with a political party or cause) while operating or working in the branch or the wider retail business, or while on or in the vicinity of the branch premises;
2. They should not allow any other person to engage in political activities while on the branch premises;
3. They should not exhibit any notice soliciting votes for any particular candidate or with any party or political object either in, on or in the vicinity of the branch premises, or on any vehicle under the control of Post Office Limited; and
4. No leaflet or address with a party or political object may be placed or left by the Postmaster or anyone associated with them on, in or in the vicinity of the branch premises.

The Post Office spokesperson commented:

“Post Office is here to serve people across the UK regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, politics, age or whether they have any disability. As such, we provide guidance to all of our operators about the importance of Post Office being a politically neutral organisation. Our Area Manager has discussed the matter with the Postmaster, who has agreed not to wear the Palestinian flag badge at his branch. We apologise for any offence that may have been caused to any customer.”

Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI commented: “We are pleased that the Post Office has clarified its policy within the stores and hope that this is communicated effectively to all its postmasters.”