We support tower staff

• THE Office of the Public Guardian has embarked on a significant programme of change (Blow to shops as tower workers face move north, November 12). Part of this involves moving business out of London and the South-east. Significant functions have already moved to Birmingham and Nottingham and the final phase of relocation is planned to begin in March next year. This will involve a gradual transfer of teams to a new site with the full relocation completed by March 2012.

About 170 staff are affected by the relocation. Permanent post-holders will be offered a voluntary move to the new site with their post and will retain their existing salary and salary arrangements for three years from the date of the transfer. We are not in a position to offer relocation costs to staff at public expense.

A small number of posts will remain in London, covering staff across all levels of seniority. Some posts are to handle investigative and compliance work, others work closely with the Ministry of Justice, Whitehall departments and key stakeholders.

We are working closely with trade unions and supporting staff so they are well equipped to make decisions relating to their future. I recognise this may be a worrying period for staff and local businesses but we are very focused on minimising any negative impact through the transition.

MARTIN JOHN 
Public Guardian and Chief Executive 
Archway Tower, N19