Postman talking about me and my post to others in the street

[sibluiz]

I have a problem with my postman, and would like some advice as to what to do, if possible, both from other customers and from other posties too please!
The situation is that I have an external postbox, mounted on my front wall - as most of the mail I get is junk, and most of the important stuff such as bank statements, etc, are all electronic as far as I can, the postbox doesnt get emptied everyday - indeed it can sometimes be several days before I open the box up, and walk around the corner of the house to put the large amount of junkmail in the recycling bin (Please note I am not having a go about the junk mail - I appreciate that this is an important and much needed funding stream for the RM, and I have previously applied for it not to be delivered, but just havent got around to re-registering for this again! I lead a very busy life, often working over 70 hours a week, so it isnt a priority for me!).

I have already been challenged, pretty harshly, by the postman in question, who demanded, prtty agressively, why I dont empty my postbox everyday, as it makes his job very hard (which is rubbish- the post box can hold a rather substantial amount of post....), to which I gave him the reply as stated above. This was a couple of years ago now. It appears that more recently, he has been talking about me, and more worryingly, about my post to other people in the street - I have had one person, who I know pretty well, asking when it was that I chased the postie down the road hollering at him (the answer was never....), and why didnt I open any of my mail, some of which the postie apparently knew was important. A similar conversation was had between me and another resident about a week later. The final straw was last night, when popping round to see my next door neighbour for a quick social visit, and the postie has been talking to him, saying that there are important letters in my post box that I need to see, and that I am a real pain in the a**e, and that I am preventing him from doing his job.

Whilst I appreciate that sometimes the box does get a bit full, this does not prevent him from delivering the post. I also tend to know when important letters are being delivered, so keep an eye out for those. But I am absolutely furious that he is talking like this about me to other people, espsecially those who are my neighbours, and more so when it is clear that he is looking at what I have delivered (in fact the letters to which he referred to to my next door neighbour was a bank circular about insurance......not an urgent letter in the slightest....). I am a very private person anyway, and find that some-one talking about me in this way is of great offence, and makes me very angry (and no, Im not going to go green and burst out of my shirt!).

I cannot talk to the man, as I will just end up losing my rag with him, which would not be any solution to this, and would probably end up with the whole of my town thinking that I had tried assaulting him (from judging how he seems to expand the truth for the want of a good story). But as I see it, and please I welcome other views, it is my right to decide when to open my postbox and collevct my mail; secondly, the postie is being far from professional, and is talking about my private affairs with other people, without any regard to who they are (and yes I have been burgled this year already, along with th ehalf blind 84 year old lady who lives the other side of me), and should in no way be discussing this with any one else. I want to make a complaint, but dont know where to go, so any help on that would be good too (as well as any thoughts, polite only, as to whether you think this is acceptable behaviour).
Many thanks

[TrueBlueTerrier]

No a postie should not be discussing what you receive, but, its important do you know he is, or is it just Chinese whispers at play and he has expressed concern to your neighbours rather than gossiping about specific matters - tread very carefully because if you don't get the facts straight you may cost someone their job over a suspicion rather than a fact. Or worse you may get someone sacked who may genuinely be concerned and is trying to help.

As a postie one of the things we look for is a build up of post, it can and has helped in the past rescue people who are in need of medical help. Also despite it being "junk Mail" it can help fraudsters obtain your name and address, and if the fraudster notices you don't empty your post box regularly they could apply for bank cards, credit cards and loans in your name, and even get your mail redirected through Royal Mail and intercept everything by stealing from your box. (see link and quote below)

Again as a postie, you say that its our job to deliver the post, yes it is but a wall mounted post box that has a lot of mail in it makes it VERY difficult to put more items into it especially if there is a Quote: "large amount of junkmail" . In fact, following the rules your postie could quite legitimately not deliver your mail that day and return it to the office if they believe that its either unsafe to deliver it, or that there is too much mail already in the box as to make it difficult to deliver. After 3 attempts all such mail can be returned to the send.

For me its frustrating when I come across a full wall postbox, as it takes time to deliver that days post. Why because we are timed to the SECOND on this job now because the business, the public and the politicians want us to be more efficient. One of the consequences of being more efficient is that we are given 8 seconds per household to deliver mail. Thats from entering the property to leaving it. If it takes more than 8 seconds it affects our performance, and ultimately can lead to questions from management and even refusal to pay overtime. From a customers point of view it may seem a petty matter as it may only take only 30 seconds extra to deliver your mail but expand that to 30 addresses (about 5% of an average delivery) then your looking at 15 minutes extra time per day that you have to justify to the manager. 15 minutes would equal 1 hr 30 per week and a staggering 78 hours per year - or 2 full working weeks for a Full time postie.

My own advice is for your own security and peace of mind I would try to get into the habit of emptying the box everyday. A minor inconvenience that could stop you being a victim of Identity theft : http://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/how- ... ppens.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

How people steal your identity…

The post is the most vulnerable area of your life where identity fraud is concerned. The crooks’ top choice of method is to forward your mail to a collection address — this was the cause of 36 percent of identity frauds during 2007. In second place, with 30 percent of cases, is present address fraud, in which someone living at the same address — often flats with communal postal delivery areas — steals your mail. Previous address frauds, when the criminal uses your name and a previous address to take over your identity, account for 24 percent of cases.

[sibluiz]

Hi TrueBlue Terrier - many thanks for your post, and it is appreciated what you say re time limits etc for yourselves - I do understand that there is tremendous amount of pressure on posties, and in general I think that the RM delivers a very good service, over all of its services, predominantly due to the hard working people it employs, whether in the sorting office, or the posties out on the streets (and the countless other people and sub-contractors it employs). I also appreciate the comments on security etc, but as I said, I am aware of when important post is due, which is not very often (mainly things like reminders for car tax renewal, etc. - as I said, all other things are done electronically). I have never (touch wood) had anything stolen from the letterbox, and in terms of identity theft, I have full protection through my bank account, which lets me know as soon as any credit score request is made, whatever the reason, and will not release any details or response until I have confirmed it.

Working from home at least one or two days a week, I can confirm that this postie does not tend to spend over the "expected" time, espsecially as he walks over my low hedge separating the two semi's, presumably to save him a bit of time, but instead spends some time talking to others in the street. I also appreciate the concern over getting the story right, and I totally agree with you - I am not spiteful in anyway, and would not want anyone, especially in this day and age, to lose their job unnecessarily. However, these things are not chinese whispers, as the last two examples I gave (and who knows whether there are more examples....) gave pretty specific details on what was in my post-box (but as I said above, somewhat inacurately....one of the other letters mentioned was my payslip, which comes in an official-looking brown envelope, with a solicitors sticker on the back of it - has fooled me when I first started at the company I work for, and I thought it was some nasty unexpected letter!). I also understand the rules, and can confirm that my post has never been either sent back or held back for any time. I do understand that it can be frustrating, and not wanting to sound harsh, but every job has its frustrating elements (and I used to work for a local authority, so kinda know that one!! lol), but does that give any-one reason to sit there and b!tch about a customer, and to start telling the street 1)porkie pies and 2) what is in my post box?

Re habit, yes in an ideal world that would be great - however, it is often the last thing on my mind, having just worked a best part of a 10-11 hour day, minus travelling when needed (which can be all from one end of the country to the other in one day...), or having been spending time either with my partner, who lives away from me, or my elderly mother, who also lives a considerable distance away from me.

The postie also does know who I am, and whilst the helping people with medical help is fantastic, and I think the posties involve din such cases should be highly praised, in particular for their community spirit and social conscience, he is well aware what the situation is: and furthermore, the discussions he has been clearly having do not centre around the possibility of my being ill in any form - they are more of a means for moaning about and decrying me. I can safely and categorically state that this is not about concern or trying to help in any way, but is more about gossipping about specific matters. I do tread very carefully in such matters, for the reasons that both you and I have stated, hence being on here first to get some advice, where both he and I can safely remain relatively anonymous, without anything going back on to him unnecessarily. But I do not tolerate anyone breaching my personal space, or talking about personal matters behind my back.

[mazza111]

While I agree he shouldn't be discussing your mail with anyone else, have you tried getting mail in your box when it's full? It could be that he's just frustrated at the box slowing him down when it's full. If you know what I mean. Can sometimes be quite hard to get mail in those boxes, especially if the day before you've put full size leaflets or A4 letters inside.

[not me]

as said. could you put the letters in 'easily' with one hand and 10+kg on your shoulder?
its been over 2 years now. sounds like someone pretty farked off by you refusing to empty to the box you chose as your delivery point

[sibluiz]

I appreciate what you areboth saying, but you are both kind of missing the point, which doesnt surprise me. Shame - I was hoping for an intelligent conversation here, and some advice on what to do about a postman who is, as it clearly seems, is completely breaching any codes, and most likely the law. Whilst it is good to stick up for colleagues, etc, the clear fact that you are both sidestepping the fact that this guy is clearly breaking several pretty important codes, not to mention y privacy, etc, shows how the RM has got in the absolutely shoddy and poor state that it is in today. This forum is clearly just an old boys club, rather than something which offers any customers any help whatsoever....but what should we expect I guess from you lot - thats about the standard of your service anyway. Goodbye.

[Stormproof]

[Pat Ostman]

TBT has already pointed out that what you think is going on, or what you have been told is going on, might not.

It's hearsay and unless you have witnessed it first hand you have no right to drop a potentially innocent person 'in it'.

If it is so easy to post letters in this box it must be equally so to empty it daily. All I suggest you do, is just that.

Ohh my, just read your last post. You turned rather quick. It seems you came here to have your original thoughts confirmed rather than actually to learn anything.

[not me]

I appreciate what you areboth saying, but you are both kind of missing the point, which doesnt surprise me. Shame - I was hoping for an intelligent conversation here, and some advice on what to do about a postman who is, as it clearly seems, is completely breaching any codes, and most likely the law. Whilst it is good to stick up for colleagues, etc, the clear fact that you are both sidestepping the fact that this guy is clearly breaking several pretty important codes, not to mention y privacy, etc, shows how the RM has got in the absolutely shoddy and poor state that it is in today. This forum is clearly just an old boys club, rather than something which offers any customers any help whatsoever....but what should we expect I guess from you lot - thats about the standard of your service anyway. Goodbye.

Intelligent conversation doesn't mean it will be the answers you like.
You got practical advice. So continue yto have problems whilst ignoring the solutions.
The part in red shows a very low level of understanding on your behalf.

[tandrews1]

I appreciate what you areboth saying, but you are both kind of missing the point, which doesnt surprise me. Shame - I was hoping for an intelligent conversation here, and some advice on what to do about a postman who is, as it clearly seems, is completely breaching any codes, and most likely the law. Whilst it is good to stick up for colleagues, etc, the clear fact that you are both sidestepping the fact that this guy is clearly breaking several pretty important codes, not to mention y privacy, etc, shows how the RM has got in the absolutely shoddy and poor state that it is in today. This forum is clearly just an old boys club, rather than something which offers any customers any help whatsoever....but what should we expect I guess from you lot - thats about the standard of your service anyway. Goodbye.

Sibluiz, I find it funny how you expect an 'intelligent conversation' but then sign off your post with but what should we expect I guess from you lot - thats about the standard of your service anyway. Goodbye. - I can imagine a small child getting grumpy, slouching back in his/her chair and poking the old bottom lip out.

I'm not a postie myself but I've recently sent quite a lot of PMs to people on this forum, presumably RM employees and the response has been top notch, especially when it's not part of their job to be on this forum, let alone the customer section?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I appreciate what you areboth saying, but you are both kind of missing the point, which doesnt surprise me. Shame - I was hoping for an intelligent conversation here,

You got an intelligent response, I even agreed with you and then gave advice on how the situation could be resolved. I am angry that you question my intelligence just because you did not like the answer.

and some advice on what to do about a postman who is, as it clearly seems, is completely breaching any codes, and most likely the law.

No law otherwise we would have suggested contacting the police - I also suggested taking care before your report it. Thats 2 bits of advice 1. Take care in what you report and 2. Report it.

Whilst it is good to stick up for colleagues,

I was not sticking up for colleagues I was giving YOU advice - you clearly think its biased because of what we do. I could see that from your 2nd post which is why I ignored it (apart from the fact we had addressed your initial concerns).

etc, the clear fact that you are both sidestepping the fact that this guy is clearly breaking several pretty important codes, not to mention y privacy, etc,

Side stepping. Please explain how we sidestepped - we suggested you report it, with warnings what would happen if you did not confirm the details. We also gave advice on how we thought the situation could be avoided in future. It appears you don't like the situation you are in which is understandable, but you don't seem willing to tackle it without resorting to a formal process - again understandable but gives me the impression you are ignoring any advice that you don't like, and avoiding any possible individual responsibility as well.

shows how the RM has got in the absolutely shoddy and poor state that it is in today.

Thats an opinion and I'll ignore it. But it won't help you get much advice on here.

This forum is clearly just an old boys club

We never pretended otherwise - we even give people a clue by having the following on EVERY PAGE -

We have no affiliation with either Royal Mail or the Communications Workers Union (CWU), except that most of our members work for Royal Mail and/or are members of the CWU.

rather than something which offers any customers any help whatsoever....but what should we expect I guess from you lot - thats about the standard of your service anyway. Goodbye.

Ignoring the fact that we do have customers coming back to thank our members when they have helped, we are not here to help customers per se - this is a forum where posties can ask for advice, discuss matters and have a moan if they want. We provide a section for Customer who can ask for UNOFFICIAL ADVICE, if you were expecting a more professional approach then you have to use the OFFICIAL process.

A 2nd read of your 2nd post however one thing did jump out at me.

and in terms of identity theft, I have full protection through my bank account

Thats not identify theft thats fraud that your protected against. One area of Identity theft is when they open new bank accounts, credit cards and loans in your name - your bank account won't protect you from that.