Royal Mail strikes blamed again as Evri issues new apology

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Courier Evri has apologised yet again for disruption to its delivery service following hiked demand due to December's Royal Mail strikes


Parcel courier Evri has apologised again for the disruption to its delivery service, which has been affected since mid-December by Royal Mail worker strikes.

Backlogs leftover from the busy Christmas period which were worsened by the strikes should be cleared “over the next few days,” the company said, adding it was “sorry” for the delays.

“We continue to be impacted by high demand, staff shortages and bad weather conditions,” said an Evri spokesperson, after pressure was placed on its service due to walkouts by Royal Mail staff in December.

Royal Mail, owned by International Distributions Services, is currently in prolonged talks with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) over its pay dispute, with negotiations taking place between 9 and 20 January.

It previously suggested on Christmas Day that it had shared its “best and final offer for pay and change” with the CWU, including a 9% salary increase over the next 18 months.

Some 115,000 Royal Mail workers had taken part in the series of strikes between August and Christmas, but have no further action planned according to the CWU, given a series of pledges by the company.

The union outlined Royal Mail had promised not to lay off staff, a return to pre-existing industrial relations framework and a commitment to January negotiations in its latest offer.

It added: “Given the strategic importance of Royal Mail to the UK economy and society, the union is also making sure that the broader issues around the postal service and its future are fully highlighted in Parliament,” including through two Westminster Hall debates this month.