The Communication Workers Union (CWU) says Royal Mail is losing about 400 postmen and women per week, up from approximately 330 before the roll-out of a new system called DM26 earlier this year. The union claims the system, which reorganises delivery routes and allows second class post to be delivered only every other weekday, is not working in hundreds of offices.
Staff speaking anonymously to BBC Your Voice described a system that prioritises parcels over letters, with time wasted sorting first and second class mail. One worker in the West Midlands told the broadcaster: "I didn't take any first class mail out on my last shift because I was on a road that's been behind for weeks. But I'm sure a manager would have ticked a box to say all first class mail went out."
A Royal Mail spokesperson said the company always worked to ensure all mail, both letters and parcels, were delivered on time. The company says the reforms are part of its plan to deliver a more "efficient and financially sustainable" service.
Royal Mail's DM26 system, now in use across all four nations of the UK, groups postal workers into groups of three and changes the walking pattern of rounds. The company says it is supposed to guarantee daily delivery of first class mail and parcels. Staff have warned of a "nightmare" Christmas ahead as the number of parcels increases.