Postie Dolly claims she was forced out

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A POSTIE claims she was forced to retire with Royal Mail giving her just three days' notice.

Dorothy Ball, known to everyone as Dolly, said she was told on December 31 that her last day of work would be January 3, a Sunday.

Dolly, who lives in Upwell but delivered post in the Outwell area, is not alone in her annoyance at Royal Mail. She
has heard some of residents on her round in The Cottons have started a petition to get her reinstated.

"I think it's great they are taking the trouble. It's wonderful that people consider their post lady," said Dolly.

The news that she would have to retire came as a shock to Dolly as she said she was told after her 65th birthday in October it was fine for her to continue working

However, she was not told how long it would be for.

"I know there are two men working out of Wisbech who are older than me,.

"So to me it reeks of sexism. I don't know what other conclusion to draw from it," she said

Dolly has written to the chief executive of Royal Mail to complain about her treatment, which she feels is very unfair.

Sue Lindsay, one of the owners of Outwell Post Office, agreed Royal Mail have treated Dolly badly.

Her departure was so swift there was no time to sort out cover for Dolly so customers on Dolly's round had no postal deliveries for three days.

"Dolly's departure left the village in chaos," Sue said.

"We had three day's post building up in the Post Office and numerous phone calls from people waiting for important letters."

A spokesman for Royal Mail said: "While we cannot comment on individual cases for reasons of confidentiality, when contracts of employment are extended beyond normal retirement age it is usual for this to be done for a defined period of time at the outset and take account of local circumstances.

"Royal Mail has robust human resource policies in place to ensure that all employees are treated fairly."