Easter Ross boss fury over Royal Mail delays as vital parcels languish in Dingwall due to sick leave

AN Easter Ross businessman has protested to Royal Mail after vital post was delayed for 10 days in the Dingwall sorting office because of sick leave issues.

Dave McLaughlin, managing director of Shandwick Supply Co Ltd on Evanton Industrial Estate, told of his exasperation after tracking the missing package online that showed it languishing in Dingwall for more than a week

And he was not happy at the “vague” response he received from Royal Mail when he demanded an explanation, claiming they national delivery service was in breach of its legal requirements.

He said: “It is an absolutely scandalous situation which has the potential to cost us money or orders.

’The main issue with Royal Mail is we require fast guaranteed deliveries to meet the expectation of our clients, particularly when we work on a breakdown.

“The idea that an organisation the size of RM fails in its legal duty due to one postie being off sick is absurd and a clear failure of management to juggle resources.”

The package was eventually delivered on Monday this week.

Shandwick Supply Co, formed in 1994, aims to provide clients with a “fast response service” to manufacture and repair machined components often using some of the most sophisticated computer controlled equipment around, so getting prompt deliveries is vital to their business.

Clients include aquaculture, medical, cosmetics, defence to nuclear and sub-sea exploration industries.

Mr McLaughlin added: “We use RM Special Delivery on a regular basis as it promises delivery before 1pm the following day for getting urgent parts and tooling required for our business.

“Over the past month we have had the odd day when mail did not appear as expected, but this was put down to occasional delays in the system.

“However earlier this month took the situation to a new level, even with making the concession that it was a bank holiday weekend.

“We did not receive mail since Friday, May 5 and I obtained tracking info on two specific packages. One had been with Dingwall since Tuesday May 9 and the second, a Special Delivery before 1pm, since Wednesday, May 10.

“The email trail for the complaint I submitted shows a rather casual and vague response from Royal Mail. I think this is something that needs highlighted to a wider audience.”

Mr McLaughlin has also complained to local MP Jamie Stone and is going to write to regulator Ofcom about the situation.

He added that his son Paul who has a hydraulic systems repair business nearby on the estate, has also had difficulty receiving delivery of vital seals.

One response from Royal Mail’s regional account service team told Mr McLaughlin: “I have had a reply back from the delivery office manager to pass on his apologies.

“They are currently going through some resourcing issues due to sick leave which is impacting on being able to get all the mail out for delivery as expected.

“They are due to get some more staff shortly so this won’t be a problem for much longer.

“They are aware of your situation in the meantime and they assure me that they are doing all they can to try and get your mail out and delivered.

“I know this isn’t ideal but please try and bear with us while this issue is rectified.”

The Royal Mail has been contacted for comment with an response awaited.

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