Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Covid-19 Pandemic: Royal Mail Services — [Rushanara Ali in the Chair]

19 April 2022 · 5 other contributors · 8,832 words

Opened by Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

Responding minister: Paul Scully

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Helen Hayes raised concerns about covid-19 pandemic: royal mail services — [rushanara ali in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Postal workers in Helen Hayes' constituency have faced significant issues due to the closure of the SE22 delivery office, leading to unreliable postal services since 2018.
  • Citizens Advice estimates that 16.5 million customers were affected by letter delays in January 2021, and 15 million during the festive period of 2021-22.
  • Hayes asks for meaningful public consultation on delivery office closures and an independent analysis of local service impact before any closure can take place.

Key requests to Government

Hayes asks for meaningful public consultation on delivery office closures, an independent analysis of local service impact before any closure can take place, more granular performance data reporting at the level of local postcodes, a review of the universal service obligation to ensure regulatory action in breaches, and a full assessment by Ofcom of postal product affordability.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

Postal workers in Helen Hayes' constituency have faced significant issues due to the closure of the SE22 delivery office, leading to unreliable postal services. Since 2018, residents in SE22 have experienced delays and missed deliveries during peak periods or adverse weather conditions. The impact on constituents has been severe, with medical appointments missed, legal documents lost, and businesses like magazine publishers facing threats to their viability due to unreliable service. Citizens Advice estimates that 16.5 million customers were hit by letter delays in January 2021, and 15 million during the festive period of 2021-22.

Other contributors (5)
  • Beth Winter Lab Cynon Valley

    Postal workers in Cynon Valley have faced significant challenges during the pandemic, including high volumes of parcels and staff absences due to sickness. Royal Mail discounted covid absences from their sickness absence procedure but has since lifted this policy, raising concerns about staff protection. Beth Winter highlighted three key areas for improvement: protecting staff from covid risks, improving service provision through tracking facilities, and addressing job security and staffing levels. She called for an inflation-proof pay rise for postal workers given the cost of living crisis.

  • Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport

    Expressed gratitude towards Royal Mail staff and the Communication Workers Union for their heroic efforts during the pandemic, highlighting safety concerns such as a lack of PPE. Mentioned that Royal Mail missed opportunities to support its workforce through furlough schemes, leading to financial hardships. Raised concerns over privatisation in 2014, arguing it has led to financial losses and urged for nationalisation. The MP pressed the Minister on the issue of Crown post offices, questioning why counter services are dis-integrated from delivery services in the UK compared to other countries. He highlighted the importance of banking and insurance services offered by these branches for constituents without access to broadband or a telephone.

  • Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham

    Sarah Green highlighted significant postal disruption in her constituency, particularly affecting the festive season. She recounted how delays caused missed hospital appointments and rent arrears due to delayed bank cards and identification documents. Despite Royal Mail's assurances of a temporary issue, the situation persisted with entire streets being missed off delivery routes. By January, service had improved but recent messages suggest issues are resurfacing.

  • Seema Malhotra Lab Co-op Feltham and Heston

    The postal industry is critical to the country's well-being, especially during the pandemic. Royal Mail missed its delivery targets in 2020-21, with only 74.7% of first-class mail and 93.7% of second-class mail meeting performance goals. The service has not recovered since the pandemic began, and over half of UK adults reported going a week without letters during Christmas last year.

  • Tom Randall Con Gedling

    Tom Randall visited sorting offices in Carlton and Arnold, noting close working conditions and the difficulty of operating during the pandemic. He highlighted issues such as late medical appointment letters and birthday cards arriving after their dates, suggesting systemic problems rather than individual errors. New walk routes introduced at Carlton caused initial service disruptions but were later improved.

Government Response

Paul Scully

Discussed the importance of postal services during the pandemic, highlighting Royal Mail's efforts to maintain service levels despite challenges such as high sickness absence rates. Noted that over £340 million was spent on overtime and temporary staff in the last financial year. Emphasized customer satisfaction, with 80% residential customers and SME users satisfied. Acknowledged local disruptions but noted improvements; one delivery office had high absences while others improved. Mentioned modernisation plans for Royal Mail to adapt to changing demands. Discussed regulatory oversight by Ofcom and its enforcement powers if targets are not met. Rejected calls for renationalization, citing £3.3 billion added to public funds from the sale of shares in 2013-2015.

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