Royal Mail issues ‘final chance’ warning for posting Christmas gifts as strikes affect deadlines

More Communication Workers Union (CWU) industrial action means that Friday, December 16 is now the final chance to post for Royal Mail deliveries to arrive in time for Christmas Day.

The deadline for 2nd Class deliveries has already passed yesterday (December 12). The Post Office is recommending customers visit branches ahead of the Friday deadline.

This could minimize the risk of gifts getting caught in potential delays resulting from strike action, whilst also avoiding the Christmas rush.

READ MORE – Christmas delivery deadlines for M&S, Amazon, Next, ASOS, Boots and Royal Mail

However, customers unable to get into branch by Friday are in luck: they can still use Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guaranteed Service until 21 December to ensure cards and gifts arrive before Christmas Day.

Post Office is reminding consumers that knowing how to make Christmas parcels easily accepted in branch is key to a smooth trip, with its research showing that more than one in ten have had a parcel rejected.

Laura Joseph, Post Office Customer Experience Director said: “Royal Mail has brought forward the last recommended posting dates for many of its services. As a result, Friday 16 December is now likely to be even busier in Post Office branches as customers race to ensure cards and gifts arrive for Christmas Day.

“As soon as you’ve got your parcels ready to go get them in the post – many Post Office branches are open long hours, and some are open 7 days a week so pop into your local branch and get your gifts sent in time for Christmas.”

The new last posting dates for arrival for Christmas Day are:

• First Class, 1st Class Signed For – December 16, 2022
• Special Delivery Guaranteed – December 21, 2022

The most common reasons for parcels being rejected included:

• Trying to send parcels containing batteries
• Parcels not being wrapped correctly
• Illegible writing

Laura Joseph, Post Office Customer Experience Director has shared some of her top tips to customers and communities ahead of posting this Christmas. Read on below to find out more.

1. Don’t wait until you are in a busy branch to pack items – Think ahead and save time by getting your parcels post-ready at home. Parcels with strings or bows on the outside don’t travel well so make sure you have sturdy outer packaging on your parcel.

2. Be sure to check the restricted items to avoid disappointment. There are certain items such as alcohol, nail polish and perfume which many people don’t realise have restrictions on how much and where they can be posted, with different rules for posting within the UK and abroad.

3. Get extra peace of mind with tracking and insurance. Using tracked and signed-for services can help you follow your parcel’s journey and for cash and high value goods it’s always worth taking up the insurance which comes with services like Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed.

4. Avoid the lunchtime rush. Make the most of longer opening hours by visiting branches early in the day or the evening. We’re open on the weekend too – 4,000 branches are open on Sundays.

5. If posting abroad, ensure to keep track of last posting dates – pick up a leaflet in branch or visit our Christmas Hub online. Filling out online customs forms beforehand is a great way to save time.

You can visit the Royal Mail website to find out more about how the CWU strike action is affecting postal deliveries.

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