Related Articles
A COURIER and logistics company which has a depot based in Basingstoke said its services is back to normal following problems with staff sickness which led to only ‘urgent’ items being delivered.
The Gazette was made aware that the Parcelforce depot in Grafton Way, Basingstoke, had been impacted by staff sickness, resulting in customer’s packages becoming stuck there.
Read more: Home care provider reassures residents that sickness bug following jubilee celebrations was ‘isolated incident’
The company, which is part of the Royal Mail group, has now issued a statement confirming that its staff did have to “prioritise the most urgent items for delivery” during the week of May 16.
Angry customers took to social media to complain to the company that their parcels were not delivered.
Many experienced problems with Parcelforce informing them that their parcel had been delivered when it had not, while others were informed their parcel was stuck at a depot.
Sharon Vincent, from the north-east of the country, posted on social media to say her daughter was waiting for a parcel that was stuck at the Basingstoke depot.
She added: “Nothing can be done about it as there are no staff to clear the backlog and more lorries are turning up. The person my daughter spoke to on the phone has said they’re bringing staff in from other depots to only look for important stuff like birth certificates, passports etc.”
A spokesperson for Parcelforce Worldwide confirmed the Basingstoke depot had experienced problems, adding: “Our Basingstoke depot has not been closed and is open as usual.
“Last week, an exceptionally busy period, combined with some sickness absences and resourcing issues, meant that staff did have to prioritise the most urgent items for delivery.
“However, that was a temporary problem, and normal service has since resumed.”
Have you experienced problems with a Parcelforce delivery? Get in touch by emailing emily.roberts@newsquest.co.uk.
Message from the editor
Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.
Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from Basingstoke by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.
Kimberley Barber
