Union demands ‘clear guarantee’ from Royal Mail on delivery of election mail

Union leaders say they need a “clear guarantee” from the Royal Mail that any delays to mail will not impact the “democratic process” in the Holyrood election.

Royal Mail bosses have insisted that any suggestion the delivery of election mail is at risk is “simply wrong”.

The Communication Workers Union has contacted all MSPs and Scottish MPs raising concerns about the service in Scotland and the “potential threat” this could have on “democratic processes”.

The union claims backlogs and staffing shortages could delay mail – including the delivery of postal ballots for the May 7 Scottish Parliament election.

It comes amid allegations from the CWU that over a fifth (21%) of new recruits to the Royal Mail in Scotland leave within 90 days – with the union insisting this is linked to contracts introduced in late 2022.

The briefing, sent to parliamentarians at both Holyrood and Westminster, further highlights concerns regarding the effect of reduced flight and rail capacity on services, as well as claiming there is a “growing prioritisation of parcels over mail”.

This, the CWU says, is impacting all services to communities across Scotland, especially rural, Highland and island areas.

Craig Anderson, CWU Scottish secretary, said: “Our posties are speaking out because they care about the public service they provide and about the communities they serve.

“CWU members are disappointed and alarmed by management decisions which favour short-term cuts over a properly resourced, safe and reliable postal service.

“Across Scotland, we are hearing reports of important mail, such as medical letters and legal correspondence, being delayed.

“This is not just a jobs issue; it is a threat to vital public infrastructure, and now, with the imminent Scottish election, we fear that there is a potential threat to democratic processes in Scotland.

“Scotland’s politicians must unite and intervene now. We need a clear guarantee from Royal Mail that every Scottish election mailing and postal ballot will be delivered on time and properly, and assurances that our democratic process won’t be put at risk by Royal Mail failures.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We reject claims that postal services in Scotland pose any risk to the delivery of election material or postal votes.

“We take our role in supporting UK democracy extremely seriously and have successfully delivered elections for many years.

“Our dedicated elections team plans year-round and has been working with the Electoral Commission, Scottish Government, local authorities, political parties, printers and suppliers to ensure candidate mail, poll cards and postal votes are delivered securely and on time.

“Robust processes and daily operational oversight are in place throughout the election period to maintain service stability and resolve any issues quickly.

“These well-rehearsed measures mean we are fully prepared to deliver election mail across Scotland, and suggestions that the delivery of election mail is at risk are simply wrong.”