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A proposed redesign of the Royal Mail network could see Londoners waiting until 6pm for their post, it has been reported. The national postal service wants to push back deliveries in an attempt to speed up the delivery of parcels.
With many people online shopping late at night, a later start time should allow for sorting offices to process ‘next day’ deliveries on time. But the move means over 100 areas of the UK would reportedly be forced to wait until at least 5pm for their post.
The likes of London, Cornwall, Cumbria, Wales and Scotland, meanwhile, may not see their post until 6pm at the earliest. Modelling by the Daily Telegraph reveals that parts of London – Abbey Wood, New Cross, Rotherhithe and Southwark – would be worst affected. Hoewever Londonders fair better than residents of Kinross, near Perth, who might not see anything until 7.30pm.
READ MORE: Royal Mail warns stamp prices will rise again in new cost of living blow
(Image: PA)
A Royal Mail spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph the timings were based on “high level” estimates but nothing has been finalised. But they added that they hoped letters would be delivered by 5pm
Other changes proposed include introducing more automatic sorting machines, with post often still currently sorted by hand, as well as a seven-day working week to keep in touch with rival companies. The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) is threatening nationwide strikes, with a majority of its more than 100,000 members voting for industrial action over pay and conditions.
A CWU spokesman told the newspaper: “The changes would see our members delivering up to five hours in the height of summer heat and in the darkness of winter. This is just one example of how Royal Mail are running down the postal service in the UK and why our members are balloting for strike action to defend it.
“Postal workers need and deserve the support of the public to win this battle.”
Thousands of Royal Mail workers have voted to strike in a dispute over pay in what could be the biggest industrial action of the summer despite a pay rise of 2pc backdated to April 1. But the union said it is a “serious real-terms wage cut” for postal workers because of soaring inflation.
The Royal Mail spokesperson added the company remains “in discussion” with the CWU about moving start times, which they said would also “reduce our environmental impact” as more trains can be used instead of lorries.
They said more rival parcel companies are delivering later in the day to meet changing needs and the firm is “redesigning our network”, including opening two new Super Hubs.
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