New postie starting soon looking for tips

[PostieNoob]

Hey all, I am starting on a 30hr part time contract soon and was wondering when do you get your work rota which tells youwhat days your doing and which ones you have off? Also was wondering how overtime works so if you finish your round would you just go out on someone else’s round for an hour or 2?

[twoloops]

As I tell all new starters, If you are young enough get yourselves back to school, get some qualifications, this is the job all the stupid kids @ school ended up doing

[Basildon Bond]

Hey all, I am starting on a 30hr part time contract soon and was wondering when do you get your work rota which tells youwhat days your doing and which ones you have off? Also was wondering how overtime works so if you finish your round would you just go out on someone else’s round for an hour or 2?

First tip: don't be on the internet at gone 11pm! Get use to waking up early! You should be on this forum checking for replies at 05:00 - no later! Seriously - start getting up at silly o'clock.

Second tip: Don't run round just because you can. This job is "a marathon not a sprint" - and marathons are *$cking hard. Really *$cking hard. - so you need to be able to do what you did on your first day on day 1096 (about three years in).

Your rota could change daily or be fixed - depends what they need you to do. I doubt your days off will be be same from one week to the next. Your contract will include Sunday so expect that to be a work day with any other two off. Don't expect to be given a set duty and a fixed walk. Most likely (though it depends entirely on the office) you'll be a cover for other people's day off a bounce around the office doing different walks. Take this as a good thing initially as each day is different; you get to learn more walks; you see different streets and houses each day.

Overtime could anything extra they need. You could return to the office after walking 18,000 odd steps and they ask you to do a couple of extra bags (or more) from a lapsed walk (another duty in the office they split into individual bags and then ask everyone to "just do a couple each") so you go back out with those. Or you could be give a York of parcels and asked to deliver them. Or you could be asked to work your day off so that would be on overtime. You could even work both your days off and with the scheduling you haven't had a day off for over a week.

Good luck - report back how it goes.

[fb1969]

At first any overtime will probably just be finishing your own duty, after that you will probably be asked to work your day(s) off. Overtime is not compulsory - you do not have to do it. Be aware that the overtime rate of 1.25 times the hourly rate only kicks in after 40 hours, so your first 10 hours will be at the normal rate.

[twoloops]

If you plan on staying chuck a good £80+ on a good pair of walking shoes/trainers something like Merrells, the RM issue, not fit for purpose.

Do not feel or get pressured into joining the union, not worth the time & money, RM now do what they like unchallenged.

[PostieNoob]

I am 2 weeks in now and have already been put on my own solo route (half industrial/half residential) after a few days training with a lovely co worker, I am struggling to get back to the office at similar times as the others but I guess that takes time, other than that I think my route is quite nice and easy.

[TopperGas]

I am 2 weeks in now and have already been put on my own solo route (half industrial/half residential) after a few days training with a lovely co worker, I am struggling to get back to the office at similar times as the others but I guess that takes time, other than that I think my route is quite nice and easy.

Do you leave the office at the same time as that's half the battle? If you are taking hours longer than a regular postie then it will seem nice and easy but sooner or later the COM will be putting pressure on you to speed up get back on time.

[PostieNoob]

Since that post the mail has been getting lighter so I’m much faster now , getting back at decent times now. Also my manager seems a good bloke and doesn’t really get on my back about getting back quickly

[Constance]

I hope I'm wrong but you sound like a fake poster. I just don't believe your experience is real.

[TopperGas]

I hope I'm wrong but you sound like a fake poster. I just don't believe your experience is real.

I assume they've not had their first pay slip yet, they might change their views when the overtime payment is far lower than they expected!

[Jmk1991]

I'm due to start in January. Contracted hours 24 between Mon and Saturday between 7.45 and 3.30...do I have to do over these hours and is this job family friendly? Am working in northern ireland Thanks

[Jmk1991]

Also, what's it like trying to book time off? How far in advance does this need to be done and do they honour time already booked.off.prior to starting the job? Thanks

[gfte]

Also, what's it like trying to book time off? How far in advance does this need to be done and do they honour time already booked.off.prior to starting the job? Thanks

The leave year is April to March. Vast majority of it is booked in the november/Dec before whenever the leave request sheets get passed round. Beyond that manager discretion (assuming there is time free to take it when you want).
As long as you've told them up front they should honour any booked leave (within reason).

[sweepster70]

If you plan on staying chuck a good £80+ on a good pair of walking shoes/trainers something like Merrells, the RM issue, not fit for purpose.

Do not feel or get pressured into joining the union, not worth the time & money, RM now do what they like unchallenged.

Wow.... There are people like this working at Royal Mail?

[Darwin]

I'm due to start in January. Contracted hours 24 between Mon and Saturday between 7.45 and 3.30...do I have to do over these hours and is this job family friendly? Am working in northern ireland Thanks

They will ask you to do overtime, it's not compulsory so you can say no, they won't be happy and will try to persuade you ( bully you ) but stick to your guns if you don't want OT.
It's not a family friendly job, it's the least family friendly job I've ever had.