Royal Mail delivers final Christmas blow as postal workers stop delivering letters and parcels

The Royal Mail walked out again yesterday and stopped delivering letters and parcels – only prioritising special services. 

Some 115,000 members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) went on strike for the 17th day, having cost the organisation over £100million already. 

It means last minute cards and presents will not to make it in time for Christmas as the walkouts continue today. 

The Royal Mail said despite ‘well-developed contingency plans’ it ‘cannot fully replace the daily efforts of its frontline workforce’. 

The Royal Mail said despite ‘well-developed contingency plans’ it ‘cannot fully replace the daily efforts of its frontline workforce’ 

Postmen are prioritising the more expensive Special Delivery and Tracked 24 services as well as Covid tests and prescription medicine. 

It warned normal service for letters and parcels will not resume until the next working day after the Christmas bank holiday. 

Most post offices are expected to remain open, although a few will be affected by the CWU action. 

But any items left in postboxes or post offices the day before, during or following strike dates are likely to be subject to delays. 

It warned normal service for letters and parcels will not resume until the next working day after the Christmas bank holiday 

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said the Royal Mail ‘were never serious about saving Christmas’ and the union rejected their offer ‘hours after receiving it’. 

But a spokesman for the postal service said an ‘increasing number of posties’ were returning to work each strike day suggesting strike support is dwindling.