A ROYAL Mail worker has come forward describing the working environment at Britain’s oldest mail service as “really bad” while saying the last 36 months has been “horrendous”.
Two weeks ago, we revealed that mail WAS in fact arriving late after Royal Mail confirmed there were delays to post in the Vale, largely down to lower staff numbers and absence.
After that article, a Vale postal worker, who doesn’t want to be named for fear of losing their job, came forward and said the last three years have been really tough on posties.
The employee said morale is extremely low, sickness is high due to mental health, and wear and tear on the postal workers’ bodies is high due to the workload.
The postal worker said: "During Covid we were praised for being key workers and being a vital part of the community in lockdown.
"Now, to be advised weekly that you’re not quick enough, idled too long in your vehicle, and need to be more flexible with your work time to catch up with any mail you have been unable to deliver is very disheartening."
Previously, Royal Mail admitted there were delays to the service in the Vale and they were doing all they could to rectify it.
A spokesperson said: “The local service is experiencing lower staff numbers, this is due to vacancies and sick absence.
"This has caused some delays.”
On the latest allegations within the service, Royal Mail are yet to reply.
The postal worker went on to say don’t blame your local postie for the delays at the moment because they are under severe pressure.
"Please make the public aware, this is not your local posties fault, we are trying our hardest in a very cruel and condescending environment.
"We used to take pride in our job and enjoyed stopping for a chat or running small errands. Unfortunately, due to being constantly monitored, we are unable to do this now."
And the postal worker had advice for Christmas, saying if you’re sending Christmas cards, send them extra early this year.
"In the run-up to Christmas make sure you leave plenty of time if you are sending cards.
"The workload is going to go up during the Christmas period and I do not know how we are going to do it."
Has your post been arriving late? Postal workers, what's it like working for the Royal Mail at the moment? Let us know in comments or email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.
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