Royal Mail workers left in 'freezing conditions' at Plymouth Mail Centre

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One employee said that staff are wearing hats, gloves and coats

A Royal Mail worker claims the mail centre in Plymstock has been without heating, leaving staff "freezing".

The employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that "heating has always been a problem" since the MDEC at Pennycomequick closed over a year ago and staff were moved to the main centre.


It is claimed that staff have resorted to wearing hats, gloves and coats while they work, and some have even brought in hot water bottles in a bid to stay warm.

Issues with the gas system meant that staff were also left without access to hot water.

The employee said: "People in work are in hats, gloves, coats and even hot-water bottles. People with chronic arthritis are having to leave early as they are getting flare ups.

"They [Royal Mail] installed four portable electric heaters, which you cannot turn up for fear of blowing the electrics. [They] are as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike."

Royal Mail said "an issue" with the centre's gas system was identified on Tuesday, April 2, and as a result the heating system had to be switched off in the Plymstock centre.

The company says repairs are now underway.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said that staff areas "have had hot water restored and temporary heaters have been put in place until the repairs are completed".

The anonymous worker added that staff are told to "go in the other room" if they are cold.

The worker said: "Yes it is warmer [in the other room], but it also isolates people and is not addressing the real issue.

"South West Water are doing pipe-works and have found that the gas pipe is wrecked and for whatever reason nobody in the Mail Centre MDEC has heating or hot water and hasn't for approximately two weeks.

"There is no date or timescale in place for when we will be getting hot water, gas, etc. Everyday people are complaining of the cold and it appears nothing is being done."

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "We can confirm that an issue with our gas system was identified on Tuesday 2 April. It was necessary to switch off the heating system as a safety precaution until an investigation was completed.

"A number of essential repairs have been identified and are now underway. All members of staff have been briefed on the situation and we expect the issues to be resolved shortly.

"Staff areas have had hot water restored and temporary heaters have been put in place until the repairs are completed.”