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As postal strikes continue and the backlog grows, Royal Mail warns customers that “services will be affected” and you may be entitled to some compensation if you are still waiting for post.
Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) who are responsible for sorting, collecting and delivering mail have already conducted several walkouts over the last few months. There are more planned in the run-up to Christmas.
With more strike days to follow, both Friday 23 December and Saturday 24 December, people may be worried about if they’ll receive their post in time for Christmas. However, for those who do not, Royal Mail have issued a compensation policy where you may be able to claim some money back.
Read More: When trains will be running to and from Hull over the Christmas and strike periods
Here is all the information you need to know what to do when claiming for a delayed parcel through Royal Mail’s Compensation policy:
What post does the Royal Mail Compensation policy cover?
It states on the website that Royal Mails Compensation Policy covers the following:
- 1st class stamped, metered and VAT exempt account mail, including items sent using online postage;
- 2nd class stamped, metered and VAT exempt account mail, including items sent using online postage;
- 1st and 2nd class Royal Mail Signed For® mail when used in conjunction with stamped, metered and account products above;
- Articles for the Blind, and
- Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm® (not posted on account);
Royal Mail may pay out to the sender of the item or the addressee if the delayed item has been posted with any of the services above services.
If the delayed item has not been delivered or attempted; three or more working days after the due date except redirected parcels, six or more working days after the due date if an item has been redirected, 24 hours or more after due date sent with Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm or seven or more working days post due date – you could be entitled to some cash back.
What are the due dates for each of the Royal Mail services?
The website shares a helpful table setting out the due dates of each of the qualifying services which may help customers determine whether or not their mail is delayed.
- 1st class – Due Date: Next working day – Delayed after three or more working days, six if redirected
- 2nd class – Due Date: three working days – Delayed after three or more working days, six if redirected
- Royal Mail Special Guaranteed Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm – On set date when posted – Delayed if one or more days after due date.
What counts as a working day?
For those using Royal Mail Special Guaranteed Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm, any day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or a public holiday unless posted with Saturday guarantee counts as a working day. For any other services, any day which is not a public holiday or a Sunday.
However, if you post within the Christmas and New Year period, one additional day will be added to the period before you may be eligible for the compensation. For example, if a 2nd class post is late by four or more days instead of three.
How do I claim?
Claiming for an item that has been delayed can be done through the Royal Mail website, to which you are directed to fill out some information and details about yourself. The postal company will then contact the claimant with their outcome within 30 calendar days.
All claims need to have all this information as it classes as “basic evidence”:
- the names and addresses of the sender, addressee and claimant,
- the Royal Mail product used,
- the place of posting,
- the date of posting,
- the basis for asserting that date (such as date of postmark, date of letter, certificate of posting (if available) and, for Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm® (not posted on account),Royal Mail Signed For®, the product documentation,
- the date of delivery and the basis for asserting this date,
- the method of postage, e.g. stamps, franking impression
- the postage paid.
The full process and more information can be found here.
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