Postal workers warn of Christmas disruption as MPs meet Ofcom over Royal Mail

Royal Mail is facing warnings of Christmas disruption as postal workers and their union raise concerns about a new delivery system. The Communication Workers Union says around 400 postmen and women are leaving the service every week and has called for the roll-out of the new system to be halted. It has described Royal Mail as being on the brink of collapse.

The dispute centres on changes to rounds and delivery patterns. Under the new system, second-class mail only has to be taken out every other weekday. Royal Mail says the changes are part of plans for a more efficient and financially sustainable service. It says the roll-out continues and that it delivers on average to 95% of addresses every day across the UK, up from 88% before deployment. It adds that it always works to ensure all mail, letters and parcels, is delivered on time.

A former postman, Bryn, has spoken about why he left. He said he loved his job, but last Christmas the sorting office was rammed with parcels and packets. There were too many, they kept coming, and the operation was shambolic. He decided he was not prepared to work another Christmas like that. As the year went on, he said nothing improved. Sometimes he did not take out any letters at all and often brought a lot back. He blamed the business for trying to squeeze costs out and reduce headcount while there was more to deliver. He said his experience was not unique to Bedford and was happening nationwide.

Over the past year, more than 30 posties in all four nations of the UK have been contacted as Royal Mail moved to the new delivery system. One worker in Wales described it as becoming a nightmare, saying it takes too long to sort the mail and parcels each morning. Another in southern England said senior and middle management were in denial about how the new system was failing. The union says there are major problems in hundreds of offices and has told members not to switch in any more areas until Royal Mail fixes them.

MPs are also pressing the regulator. Representatives from a group of more than 100 Labour MPs met Ofcom today because they are not convinced by Royal Mail's account. They want the watchdog to make Royal Mail improve its delivery of letters. They said the company's assurances did not reflect what people in their areas were experiencing. They cited missed credit card bills and payment dates, which can lead to late fees and damage credit ratings, as well as people missing court dates or appointments with doctors and cancer specialists.

The dispute leaves Royal Mail under pressure on delivery standards, staffing and its plans for change. With Christmas approaching and parcel volumes expected to rise, postal workers warn that the problems could worsen. Royal Mail insists its system is working and improving daily delivery coverage, but the union and MPs want the roll-out paused or the regulator to act.