Households across the Isle of Wight are once again reporting delays with the delivery of post from Royal Mail, with claims that parcels are being prioritised over letters.
Multiple sources have contacted Island Echo in the past fortnight to express concern about a growing backlog of undelivered mail, particularly the delay in receiving NHS letters and appointment reminders.
According to a worker familiar with operations at both the Newport and Ryde delivery offices, ‘internal changes to overtime policies’ and a ‘new Amazon contract’ have led to what they describe as ‘mass disruption’.
It is claimed by at least 3 different sources that letters are being left behind in favour of parcel deliveries, not helped by a ‘shortage of staff’.
Island Echo is told:
“Parcels are being prioritised every day. Letters just sit there.
“Some people will be waiting over 14 days for delivery, and many of us can’t do anything about it because of new management policies. This is affecting doctors’ letters, DWP letters, all sorts of important things.”
However, Royal Mail says it does not recognise the claims of a policy of parcel prioritisation.
The company says they are delivering letters and parcels every day, using overtime where needed. At exceptionally busy periods, such as Christmas, it may be necessary to clear parcels first to keep mail moving – but this is not the case at present.
A Royal Mail spokesperson has said:
“Every single letter and parcel is important to us, and we aim to deliver all items on time. Mail is being delivered six days a week to all addresses on the Isle of Wight.”