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A second worker at a separate office in London said that after 36 years of postal work, 2020 had been “the worst so far”.
“It’s not in their interest to make sure people get their birthday cards, Christmas cards, and hospital appointments compared to tracked items,” he said.
“But these are important documents. Tracked items are such a priority because customers are claiming compensation, even if the item is delivered and the delivery officer accidentally doesn’t scan it.”
“Our office has been several people short since June and they’re not recruiting the staff. I don’t really know the structure anymore because I’ve lost interest. I’ve been delivering, but there’s been some people delayed by eight days.”
No distinction between the latest recommended posting dates for parcels and for letters is made by the Royal Mail on its website.
The service urged customers to post items as soon as possible amid a perfect storm of “ongoing Covid restrictions, reduced air and freight capacity, high volumes, and winter weather conditions”.
Royal Mail was considered to have met its regulatory requirements in the 2019/20 year, and Ofcom did not issue a fine “after taking into account the impact of Covid-19”.
A spokesman for Royal Mail said: “Throughout the pandemic, every decision we make puts the health of our people and customers first.
“Every single parcel, letter and card is important to us. We continue to focus on delivering all Christmas parcels and letters as quickly and as reliably as we can.
“Our amazing postmen and postwomen, who have kept the UK connected throughout the pandemic and two lockdowns, are now doing everything that’s needed to get all letters and parcels to customers ahead of Christmas.”
