ADVICE FOR NEW POSTIES

[Patti-Ann]

I'm on a delivery with not many dogs, but the few houses I do go to I try to remember to ask for the dogs name. I think if I speak to it by name it might be friendlier towards me - though it might not always work

[terry2972]

Don't enter gardens with dogs out as if you get bitten RM. Will state it's your fault

[spiderj]

At least you'll be able to say"fi fi please let go of my leg"

Lol just don't go near em
Ever

[datasaint]

Carry plasters with you. Sounds silly but when you cut yourself on the corner of a letterbox lid and you're bleeding all over the mail you'll thank me. : )

[heapsy]

Find out where the best hospital is for getting dog bites sorted out. Makes a massive difference if you don't have to queue for ages to get them looked at. Got one near me thats good for that.
On a hot day like today, be aware of doors being left open in case of a loose dog. See above.

[dave72]

Carry plasters with you. Sounds silly but when you cut yourself on the corner of a letterbox lid and you're bleeding all over the mail you'll thank me. : )

Good advice, they work better than bump off stickers and elastic bands around your fingers

[Patti-Ann]

Carry plasters with you. Sounds silly but when you cut yourself on the corner of a letterbox lid and you're bleeding all over the mail you'll thank me. : )

I always make sure to have a supply of plasters on me - and paracetamols too

[fay_elizabeth]

Hey Everyone,

I'm due to start at RM Bristol (Westbury-on-trym) next Tuesday so found this thread really rather useful. I'm on a 24 hour contract, 5 days a week with Sunday and another random weekday off. Going to have my guard up from the start regarding managers now. I have just a few questions... When you say you may have to 'cut off' what does this mean? also, with christmas coming up I'm wondering what the deal is, realistically which days am I likely to have off? Also, is the Christmas bonus still a thing for posties?

I'm due to attend the welcome day next Tuesday however its all the way in Swindon, can I claim travel expenses back to do you think?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Fay: Don't worry about the cutting off procedure till you are at your home office. The trainer should go through it with you.

Days off will be random.

Yes to the Bonus if you meet the criteria, which will be posted nearer the time. Although its usually just a certain date in post and working the 4 weeks before Christmas.

Yes you will be able to claim, so keep receipts for claims.

[dave72]

I have just a few questions... When you say you may have to 'cut off' what does this mean? also, with christmas coming up I'm wondering what the deal is, realistically which days am I likely to have off? Also, i

At our delivery office they frown upon the words "cut off", just tell them you are working to your time

Days off at Christmas? Christmas and Boxing day. Or, did you mean your random day off? If so, probably depends on the duty you are covering or if you are spare (presuming you don't have you own set duty yet) and will depend on staff levels which are normally high as no annual leave is allowed through December

[heapsy]

Sorry to repost if it has already been posted, but this time of year is not the best for weather. Get yourself a good hand lubricant such as Lubriderm or E45 etc. Helps to protect your hands against the wet and wind. Water, damp letters and the nylon bags the mail sometimes comes in all dry your skin leaving it dry, sore and with very painful cuts. Hope that helps.

[jolly_postman]

My advice to newbies - take your meal breaks and be strict on getting your OT written down from the start, no one will put it down for you.

[mattyj]

Keep a note of what over time you do, so the next week when u r missing some u can show it to your rep and dom and ask why it isn't on your payslip

[Chasdad]

Hi starting in the job in 3 weeks. One of the things I've heard is that there may be the opportunity to use RM vans for the commute. I can park one off road. Is this available to new staters? Any pointers here?
Cheers

[POSTMAN]

Hi starting in the job in 3 weeks. One of the things I've heard is that there may be the opportunity to use RM vans for the commute. I can park one off road. Is this available to new staters? Any pointers here?
Cheers

Very much doubt it mate.