Procedure for customers who are unable to sign?

[JP1]

I work in an area with a fair amount of Jewish people. When I have a signed for item most of them are happy to sign for it (though I know not everyone in a house with a mezuzah on the door is lived in by Jewish people - my old house had one).

However, in my few years I've a postman I've had a handful of people say they can't sign for the item because it's the sabbath day. One happened today.

Is there an official way to deal with this? I'm not meant to fill out a P739 and tell them to go and get it on monday am I?

Same goes for other people who can't sign. Older people who are frail for example.

[richystran]

I work in an area with a fair amount of Jewish people. When I have a signed for item most of them are happy to sign for it (though I know not everyone in a house with a mezuzah on the door is lived in by Jewish people - my old house had one).

However, in my few years I've a postman I've had a handful of people say they can't sign for the item because it's the sabbath day. One happened today.

Is there an official way to deal with this? I'm not meant to fill out a P739 and tell them to go and get it on monday am I?

Same goes for other people who can't sign. Older people who are frail for example.

Not delivered - Refused.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

As I understand it Devout Jews shouldn't even accept a parcel on the Sabbath unless its not a commercial one, so yes be guided by them. Form leave it if they prefer, or can a neighbour be nominated just for the Sabbath and High days.

[POSTMAN]

Older people who are frail for example.

Isn't there an acronym you can put in the PDA/on the card that means couldn't sign ect, especially for the blind,I've forgotten what it is.

EDIT:Found it:

I read some where, I think the PDA handbook, you can DNS (did not sign for) on the PDA if the person has not the ability to sign for it. Could someone confirm if this is right.

Yes ... I do it for my blind customers ... scribble DNS on PDA with my sig underneath ...

[TrueBlueTerrier]

CNS or DNS and reason - eg Blind

[datasaint]

The PDA manual says to write DWS (Delivered without signature).

http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 36&t=52224" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (page 22 of the booklet)

[OnAFlyer]

Old/blind people who are unable to sign then I'd do it for them. If people refuse on religious grounds then I'd take it back as refused. It needs a signature, they don't want to sign then they don't get it.

[motherhubbard]

Old/blind people who are unable to sign then I'd do it for them. If people refuse on religious grounds then I'd take it back as refused. It needs a signature, they don't want to sign then they don't get it.

That is a little bit intolerant and unnecessary.
If they don't want to sign and you don't want to sign for them, then what is the harm in issuing a 739 and letting them collect on a day other than their Sabbath?

I wonder what the official line is because your attitude may be tantamount to discrimination.

[eastie]

I have a woman on my round who wears a burka and refuses to answer the door and to come back when her husband is home. She gets a 739 every time

[smelly_cat_lady]

Ask the customer "Would you like me to sign for it?" If the answer is yes then do the usual and sign in the box MAR - marked as received, Job done.

[datasaint]

Ask the customer "Would you like me to sign for it?" If the answer is yes then do the usual and sign in the box MAR - marked as received, Job done.

Technically that's for when the customer puts an X or other mark in the box.

The whole Recorded Delivery concept is farcical and outdated now anyway. Customers would much rather a 24/48 tracked service with proof of delivery, even going as far as DPD's method of photographing the door (would still take less time than waiting for a signature).

[OnAFlyer]

Old/blind people who are unable to sign then I'd do it for them. If people refuse on religious grounds then I'd take it back as refused. It needs a signature, they don't want to sign then they don't get it.

That is a little bit intolerant and unnecessary.
If they don't want to sign and you don't want to sign for them, then what is the harm in issuing a 739 and letting them collect on a day other than their Sabbath?

I wonder what the official line is because your attitude may be tantamount to discrimination.

Not at all, it's exactly the same as I'd do for anyone that refuses to sign for something.

[OnAFlyer]

Ask the customer "Would you like me to sign for it?" If the answer is yes then do the usual and sign in the box MAR - marked as received, Job done.

So what if the customer then claimed they never received it, what happens?

[motherhubbard]

Not at all, it's exactly the same as I'd do for anyone that refuses to sign for something.

Why not just treat it as a Saturday shut?

[aiden01]

Not at all, it's exactly the same as I'd do for anyone that refuses to sign for something.

Why not just treat it as a Saturday shut?

but if it,s a Thursday what would your excuse be if someone complains