Experience and routine undervalued, say postmen

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IN THE last recorded year, 2009-10, there were 10,823 complaints against the Royal Mail from customers in the CM postcode.

And the company paid out nearly £100,000 to compensate 6,248 of these complainants.

The Chronicle has noticed a sharp upsurge in complaints over the past few months as Royal Mail adjusts to sweeping changes in the delivery system.

We went out and spoke to some postmen about the problems, and while they did not give their names because they fear for their jobs, they offered some insights into working life at Royal Mail.

One employee said: "The current system is a joke and people are fed up. It's embarrassing."

Another postman said: "The casuals employed to replace regulars don't know the area and some don't speak English which means the named houses are a real issue.

"They work different areas every day, which isn't right. We need the same people doing the same route or they don't stand a chance.

"Some regulars have been taking out less mail and leaving more for the inexperienced casuals. They don't have the local knowledge to do the job. It's not their fault."

Another said: "There has been a change of routine and that was a culture shock but things are settling down. Things were a mess before. I wasn't receiving my own mail until 6pm, however I understand what it's like to be on the frontline. It's not our fault but we are receiving a lot of snide comments."

The Royal Mail urges anyone experiencing difficulties or failures to contact their customer service department on 0845 601 1399.