Royal Mail has been challenged over a “significant delay” in delivering letters across Derry this week.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said he was deeply concerned at reports that Royal Mail is prioritising Track 24 packages with letters, including health appointments, becoming subject to significant delays in every area of the city.
Mr Eastwood said that severe staff shortages and a culture of ‘cost saving’ have affected service delivery.
“My office has been in touch with people across the city currently experiencing significant delays in the delivery of important letters from Royal Mail,” Mr Eastwood said.
“These will include letters about hospital appointments, tax and vehicle testing requirements and information from public bodies. It is totally unacceptable.
“We have been speaking directly with staff at Royal Mail who are being pushed to the limit but as a result of new policies prioritising the delivery of Track 24 packages over letter delivery, find themselves falling far behind and missing key duties to communities across the city.”
He added: “I am concerned by reports of a ‘cost saving challenge’ to sorting offices from Royal Mail which appears to have put an end to overtime payments, sick cover and the use of temporary, casual or agency staff that has made the situation far worse.
“With the current spate of bad weather and sickness absence because of the flu, this is a very bad situation.
“I am in touch with senior staff at Royal Mail to underscore how serious this situation is, particularly for people who rely on the post for access to public services. The matter needs to be addressed and quickly.”
Royal Mail has been contacted for comment.
News Catch Up: Thursday 9th January