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Earlier this month, two MPs spoke out about Royal Mail delays affecting their constituents.
Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, addressed the problems in Parliament and said people living in Sturminster Marshall reportedly received only two deliveries throughout the whole of January.
In Parliament, she said: “Royal Mail tried to blame the flooding that happened at the beginning of February for why their letters weren’t delivered.”
Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West, decided to contact the business and trade select committee on March 23- describing Royal Mail’s ‘prolonged and serious failure to provide reliable postal deliveries’.
Jessica Toale said: “So many of you have got in touch about the serious failures in Royal Mail’s postal service, particularly in the BH9, BH10 and BH11 areas.
“Missed NHS appointment letters, weeks without any post at all, and first-class mail arriving two weeks late.
“These are not minor inconveniences. For many people, especially those with health needs, the consequences have been deeply worrying.”
The letter included the stories of six constituents, with issues ranging from late NHS appointment letters to late birthday cards and residents being told that postmen were under instructions to prioritise parcels over letters.
Replying to the statements made by the MPs, Royal Mail said recent figures show 92 percent of all letters arrive on time, but they ‘recognise’ that performance is ‘not yet where it needs to be’ in all areas.
A spokesperson for Royal Mail said: “We know how important it is that customers receive their mail on time, particularly when it includes items such as medical appointments or other important correspondence.
“Recent UK-wide figures show 92 per cent of all letters arrive on time, but we recognise performance is not yet where it needs to be in all areas.
“Where there are local issues, these are typically due to temporary resourcing pressures, and we work quickly to restore normal, reliable service.”
Both MPs also addressed problems surrounding overtime, stating that workers were reportedly being ‘brought to tears on the doorstep’ after being told they weren’t allowed overtime.
Royal Mail have confirmed that there is no ban on overtime and said it’s being used ‘where it’s needed’.
A spokesperson added: “There is no ban on overtime. Overtime is used where it’s needed to support deliveries, and while it naturally reduces after the peak period as volumes fall, additional hours are brought in whenever required.”
