Royal Mail last posting date for Christmas as strikes continue over pay dispute

Royal Mail has announced its latest advised posting dates for people wanting to make sure that what they send to their loved ones arrives on time this Christmas. And it’s no surprise that the dates are earlier than usual – to take heed of the potential delays to deliveries due to industrial action.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) first organised strikes by Royal Mail workers in August this year and they are set to take place this month, at a time of high traffic for post, as their wishes for a pay rise in line with inflation rates still haven’t been granted, they say. There are six planned days of striking this month which could cause major disruption.

Those dates are:

• Friday, December 9
• Saturday December 10
• Wednesday, December 14
• Thursday, December 15
• Friday, December 23
• Saturday, December 24

On days when strikes are taking place, collections will be less frequent and no letters will be delivered at all.

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The union and Royal Mail are still at a standoff over pay due to a lack of agreement. As a result, the postal service has brought forward their recommended ‘last posting dates’ for people wanting to ensure their parcels or cards get to where they need to be in time for the day.

A spokesman for the Royal Mail said: “Get your cards, gifts and greetings there in time for Christmas. Check the latest recommended posting dates for all UK and international services as some international dates are earlier than last year. As always, our advice is to post early and avoid the rush.”

Here are the new dates:

• December 12 – 2nd Class, 2nd Class Signed For, Royal Mail 48
• December 16 – 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For, Royal Mail 24, Royal Mail Tracked 48

• December 19 – Royal Mail Tracked 24

• December 21 – Special Delivery Guaranteed

• Parcelforce Worldwide express 48 and express 48 large – Wednesday, December 21

• Parcelforce Worldwide express 24 – Thursday, December 22

The old dates were:

• December 16 – Royal Mail Bulk Mail Economy

• December 19 – 2nd Class, 2nd Class Signed For, Royal Mail 48

• December 21 – 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For, Royal Mail 24, Royal Mail Tracked 48

• December 22 – Special Delivery Guaranteed, Royal Mail Tracked 24

• December 23 – Special Delivery Guaranteed with Saturday Guarantee

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