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As previously reported, Royal Mail confirmed a “short period of higher sickness absence” at the Shoreham delivery office.
A spokesman for Royal Mail said: “The local delivery office has experienced a short period of higher sickness absence, which has placed pressure on operations and led to some temporary delays.
“However, delivery data shows no items have been delayed by a month.
“Mail continues to be delivered across the area, and we are working to restore normal service as quickly as possible.”
Royal Mail also explained that due to staff sickness some delivery routes have operated on a rotational basis more frequently than usual, meaning routes are covered in turn so mail continues to reach all addresses.
Where customers receive several items at once, Royal Mail said this is because deliveries have been temporarily staggered while routes are covered in turn, meaning more items are delivered together.
Residents shared their frustration and offer their own explanations for the ongoing disruption.
Petra Kovarova claimed: “I think it’s got far more to do with the ban on overtime.
“The majority of the workforce are now on part time contracts and when Royal Mail ban overtime the rounds can’t be done, managers prioritise parcels getting out, don’t blame the staff!”
Others echoed her concerns about the changing nature of the postal service.
Sharon Grayson said: “It’s been happening for months.”
Spencer Payne said: “Nobody gets regular post anymore, everything is now email or app delivered.
“I am lucky if I get two letters a week!”
But not everyone believes the move to digital communications means deliveries are less important.
Chris Hards said: “They should get more temporary staff to sort it out as people rely on their post for appointments and documents, as not everyone uses email.
“They have become a shambles.”
Postal delays are not limited to Shoreham.
Linda Morris said: “It’s the same here in Saltdean!
“The post only comes weekly now and I just had to notify two places to repost as items not received.
“It used to be very good but has really deteriorated in the last year, I don’t think they are replacing those who have retired unfortunately.”
Royal Mail told The Argus that some high-volume senders, including NHS organisations and banks, increasingly use economy delivery services rather than First or Second Class, which are delivered alongside other mail or after five working days.
The company added that it is normal for a number of items to arrive at the same time in line with the specification of that service.
However, some residents say delays have stretched beyond five days.
Janet Jones said: “They’re probably all sick because they have been out in the rain every day for months now.”
