Royal Mail postal delivery 'crisis' sparks launch of survey by Inverness MP to gauge scale of Highland problem

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/new ... es-326835/

FAILING postal services have resulted in patients missing vital medical appointments or going weeks without new bank cards, a Highland MP has warned after launching a survey to gauge the scale of the problem.

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry announced the launch of the two-week survey today, as he tries to determine how widespread the issue of late mail deliveries has become.

Despite receiving past assurances from Royal Mail management that the matter had been resolved, Mr Hendry said he was still being contacted by numerous constituents over the issue.

Horror stories have included people missing "vital medical appointments" or failing to receive time-sensitive documents such as concert tickets.

And he fears that, as well as becoming more widespread than previously reported, the issue will only grow worse as the busy Christmas period grows nearer.

His new survey aims to identify the scale of the problem and pinpoint the affected locations.

“Postal services are a lifeline for many of us, particularly here in the Highlands.," he said. "Unfortunately, too many people are facing difficulties – my team and I have heard of people missing critical medical appointments or going weeks without a new bank card."

"Our posties are working harder than ever and should not be blamed for these issues. They are an essential part of our community, and I know we all appreciate their hard work."

“Despite assurances given to me from Royal Mail management that the problems had already been resolved, it is clear that mail is still arriving much later than it should or possibly undelivered.

"I'm launching this survey to better understand the extent of these problems and identify the areas most affected and would encourage anyone who has experienced these issues to complete it on my website. Once we have that information, I will continue to work with Royal Mail to try to implement solutions.”

The latest issues come a few months after the Royal Mail suspended union representatives in the Highlands during an ongoing pay dispute. At the time Mr Hendry accused the company of a "grave violation" of workers' rights over its handling of Communication Workers Union (CWU) representatives.

The Royal Mail has also come under-fire across the UK in recent years over claims that it has prioritised more lucrative parcel deliveries over its letter service – despite government rules expressly forbidding this under the so-called "universal service obligation". Earlier this year the company's CEO Simon Thompson was called back before a UK parliament committee amid claims he'd misled its members during a previous appearance in which he had denied prioritising parcel deliveries.

He announced his resignation from the company this spring, and just weeks after the company agreed a new pay deal for its staff.

Royal Mail was approached for comment about the latest delivery delays but had not replied before the Courier went to print.

The Communication Workers Union has also been approached for comment.

[enskied]

A much larger survey is required . The delay is absolutely national. Royal mail are holding back mail over the entire UK .

[BenacreNick]

I would add that banks and the NHS etc still use the 5 day DSA service, instead of 2nd class service.

Given the unacceptable delays nationally in the postal system, they are not giving themselves the best chance of a faster delivery by using DSA.