Royal Mail Christmas postal dates 2022 as early sending urged amid strikes

Christmas cards and gifts may have to be sent earlier than expected this year as Royal Mail workers are striking in the lead up to the festive period.

While it may seem like that there’s still plenty of time before December 25, the date is creeping ever closer. Christmas is the busiest time of year for the postal service and, if further industrial action takes place, your presents may not reach their final destination in time.

Strikes by the workers in the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have been confirmed on November 24, 25, 30 and December 1 – and more dates could be added.

The current strike dates will impact those sending international mail. What’s more, national deliveries could be disrupted if an agreement cannot be met and postal workers add more walkouts closer to Christmas.

The CWU has accused the firm of “gross mismanagement” as Royal Mail bosses remain in talks about the national dispute that concerns pay, jobs and treatment.

“Allow plenty of time for posting,” the Royal Mail advises. “Please post items and gifts for Christmas early, particularly for international deliveries.”

To ensure you remain organised, Royal Mail has updated their recommended Christmas postal dates for national and international post.

What are the latest Christmas posting dates?

UK service

Friday 16 December

• Royal Mail Bulk Mail Economy

Monday 19 December

• 2nd Class
• 2nd Class Signed For
• Royal Mail 48

Wednesday 21 December

• 1st Class
• 1st Class Signed For
• Royal Mail 24
• Royal Mail Tracked 48

Thursday 22 December

• Special Delivery Guaranteed
• Royal Mail Tracked 24

Friday 23 December

• Special Delivery Guaranteed
  

International standard and tracking

Friday 7 October

• British Virgin Islands
• Dominica
• Anguilla

Thursday 1 December

Friday 2 December

• China (People’s Republic)

Monday 5 December

• All remaining Caribbean destinations

Wednesday 7 December

• Africa
• Asia (except China, People’s Republic)
• Central and South America,
• Far and Middle East

Thursday 8 December

Friday 9 December

• Greece
• Eastern Europe (except Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia)
• Turkey

Saturday 10 December

• Canada
• Czech Republic
• Finland
• Italy
• Poland
• Sweden
• USA

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