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People have said they are ‘lucky to get post twice a week’ after 11 ‘amazing posties’ were reportedly suspended in Wirral.
The ECHO understands that the 11 postal workers, who are based at the Prenton Delivery Office – were suspended because they were taking work breaks at the Caernarvon Castle pub.
But regulars in the pub have insisted that the posties were not drinking alcohol on their breaks and were simply enjoying cups of tea and coffee and using the pub’s facilities to freshen up.
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While three of the postal workers have now been reinstated, the move has led to major disruption to post services in the Prenton and Oxton areas, for which Royal Mail have apologised.
This has caused anger locally, with residents slamming the actions of Royal Mail and the impact it has had on deliveries.
Wirral resident Deb said: “These are our local posties – they are amazing and go above and beyond. “(We are) Currently running on temporary staff. We are lucky to get post twice a week (and then it’s usually other addresses they put through our door cos they can’t find them..”
She added: “Our local posties are hugely missed.”
The suspension decision was also branded as ‘scandalous’ by Wirral resident Gerry, while Alex added: “Standard Britain 2023, people at the bottom of the chain taking the fall for the incompetence above them.”
Diana said: “Ridiculous. Hope they all get reinstated.!
Responding to the ECHO’s story today, the Liverpool Community Independents political group said: “Heavy-handed management tactics fail the public.”
Following complaints from local residents, local politicians including Birkenhead’s MP Mick Whitley have slammed Royal Mail management for their handling of the situation. The company declined to comment on internal affairs but apologised to those experiencing delays.
Mr Whitley said he was told by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) that 11 postal workers had been suspended but three had now been reinstated. He said the hearings for the remaining eight had taken place and they are awaiting an outcome.
He said: “I wrote to the local management on July 20 and requested a response to my concerns and clarity on what steps they were taking to improve both industrial relations and delivery services. As of today they haven’t replied.”
He added: “The union stressed they were open to discussions with management to resolve the disciplinary issues and I strongly urge the management to engage constructively with the CWU as the only way to restore normal service and improve industrial relations.
“However, I would urge the CWU to be vigilant as the management across Royal Mail have a very recent record of attacking the terms and conditions of its staff and provoking disputes.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We are sorry to residents who have experienced delays. Improving quality of service is our top priority and we are committed to restoring service levels to where our customers expect them to be.
“Efforts at the local delivery office are ongoing to improve this level of service. This includes additional recruitment and the addition of agency staff. Mail continues to be delivered, and anyone who has mail and does not receive it on the day they expect will always be prioritised the following day.
“Across our business we have plans in place to drive service levels. We hope and expect to see further progress in the coming months.”
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