Royal Mail announces big change to parcel deliveries with new rule set to come into force next month

Royal Mail has announced upcoming changes to how parcels will be delivered from next month.

From May 2, if you are not home when a parcel is being delivered, a “something for you” card will be posted through your door, detailing whether the parcel has been left in a safe place or with a neighbour. If neither of these options were possible, postal workers will automatically redeliver any parcels that won’t fit through the letter box or need a signature the next working day.

The changes aim to save people time by not having to visit a collection point. Delivery can also be rescheduled for a more convenient day, which will remain a free service.

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This can either be to the original home address, to a neighbour, safe place or a local post office. However, the changes mean it will no longer be possible to collect parcels after the first delivery attempt.

Instead, people will have to wait until Royal Mail has attempted the automatic redelivery the next working day, which excludes Sundays and bank holidays. If the redelivery is unsuccessful, the postie will leave another something for you card stating your options.

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You can choose to organise another redelivery or you can collect your item from your local customer service point from the following working day. If the item remains undelivered and without instruction from the recipient, the item will be stored for up to 18 days (21 days where customs fees are due) and if not collected or redelivered it will be returned to the sender.

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