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Scots could be waiting for their post until after 6pm in a shake-up proposed by the Royal Mail, it is claimed.
In a bid to speed up delivery of parcels so they can keep up with competitors, the postal service plans to push the traditional timings back.
It’s believed that some places in Scotland could be the most affected, along with London, Cornwall, Cumbria and Wales, and people might not see their post until 6pm, the Mirror reports. It’s estimated residents in Kinross might not see their post until 7.30pm.
Due to changes in consumer behaviour, people are ordering more and more online late at night. It is hoped having posties starting later will allow for sorting offices to process ‘next day’ deliveries on time.
A Royal Mail spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph yesterday the timings were based on “high level” estimates but nothing has been finalised. She was adamant letters would arrive by 5pm, just an hour after they do under the current scheme.
Other changes proposed include introducing more automatic sorting machines, with post often still currently sorted by hand, as well as a seven-day working week to keep in touch with rival companies.
The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) is threatening nationwide strikes, with a majority of its more than 100,000 members voting for industrial action over pay and conditions.
A CWU spokesman told the newspaper: “The changes would see our members delivering up to five hours in the height of summer heat and in the darkness of winter.
“This is just one example of how Royal Mail are running down the postal service in the UK and why our members are balloting for strike action to defend it.
“Postal workers need and deserve the support of the public to win this battle.”
Despite a pay rise of 2%, backdated to April 1, as well as an offer of 3.5% depending on productivity, the union says it is a “serious real-terms wage cut” based on the increased cost of living.
Possible strike action later this month would see postal workers join disgruntled rail and airport staff and others in walking out on their jobs this summer.
The Royal Mail spokesperson added the company remains “in discussion” with the CWU about moving start times, which she said would also “reduce our environmental impact” as more trains can be used instead of lorries.
She said more rival parcel companies are delivering later in the day to meet changing needs and the firm is “redesigning our network”, including opening two new Super Hubs.
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