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Christmas is traditionally the busiest time of year for the Post Office, and that applies more than ever in 2020.
Social distancing measures mean only a limited number of customers are allowed in at a time, which has resulted in spiralling queues outside branches across Bristol.
With people returning items they purchased in Black Friday sales and posting Christmas parcels to loved ones across the country, your trip to the Post Office might take longer than planned this month.
With this in mind the firm has offered some advice when it comes to beating the queues – but remember there’s still a chance your nearest branch could be busy no matter when you visit.
Advice from the Post Office
The Post Office said there is currently ‘increased demand’ to use its services, adding the best time to visit is early in the day.
A spokesperson said: “Our staff are working hard to serve customers as quickly as possible.
“Due to the coronavirus there is increased demand to send parcels and cards to family and friends and to process online shopping returns, especially after Black Friday.
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“Some days and times are busier than others and customers may find it quieter at the start or the end of the day.
“Many of our branches are open at the weekend or extended hours.”
The spokesperson advised visiting the branch finder section of the Post Office website for full details on each branch.
Christmas latest posting dates
If you haven’t posted your Christmas letters and/or parcels yet, be aware that there are are deadlines for doing so depending on what you’re sending.
Make sure you check the latest recommended posting dates for all services within the UK below.
Note that they’re correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change.
Latest recommended posting dates for all services to UK addresses:
Royal Mail 2nd Class & 2nd Class Signed For – Friday, December 18
Royal Mail 1st Class & 1st Class Signed For – Monday, December 21
Parcelforce Worldwide Express 48 – Tuesday, December 22
Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed / Parcelforce Worldwide Express 24, AM, 9 & 10 – Wednesday, December 23
‘Please treat our colleagues with respect’
Post Office Chief Executive Nick Read asked customers to treat staff members with respect as they deal with busy branches.
He also encouraged people to visit early in the day if they can.
He said: “Recent news gives us increased hope for the months ahead. But I’d ask you to keep up the resolve for now, wearing a mask and staying two metres apart in our branches.
“And please treat our colleagues there with respect as they provide the services you need in these difficult times.
“While we’re working hard to keep products and services available, some may be impacted by changing retractions.
“Our support pages have more on the impact on specific products.
“As we head into the Christmas period, our busiest time of year, branches will be very busy with more customers and social distancing still in place.
“Our advice is to post early if you can or visit at quieter times.
“You can check our branch finder to see if your local branch opens early mornings, in the evening or at weekends. And our call centres are also staffed ready to help.”
Head to the Post Office website to find your nearest branch.
