Our postal and delivery workers have been facing a challenge over the last year or so. One of many sectors of essential workers, they are the ones ensuring that our post gets delivered, that our important packages are received when shops are closed.
Over Christmas, we saw weeks of delays as we waited for Christmas presents from friends and family members that we were unable to see. In 2021, we’re still seeing delays as the Royal Mail and other delivery services are overwhelmed with demand.
The pressure is mounting on postal workers, so here at Safe, we conducted a survey on how we can support them best as consumers. When asked what their current biggest pet peeve is, 35% of postal workers said they loath it when people request a redelivery and aren’t home. This was followed by:
- The person not being home (25%)
- A lack of garden care such as loose paving’s and general health risks (15%)
- A post-box in bad condition (11%)
- People not respecting social distancing rules (10%)
- Violent animals or dogs biting at the letterbox (7%)
- No access point to the post box (3%)
On solving these dilemmas, 50% of the delivery workers said it would help if people ensured that somebody is home for the redelivery, as well as:
- Making sure property numbers are clearly displayed (18%)
- Addresses are clearly written on parcels (15%)
- Let the post worker move away from the door before they open it (10%)
- Properly wrap the parcel (8%)
- Ensure the postbox is in good condition (5%)
An anonymous Royal Mail worker added: “We’re certainly up against it at the minute and there are some elements of the job that could be made easier. I’d say the main thing people can do to help is making sure they’re home. You’d be amazed at how many people aren’t in even though we’re locked down.
“I’d also encourage people to keep on top of maintaining their gardens and post boxes, we have so many falls due to damaged walkways and often trap our fingers in rusty old post boxes too.”
The survey also delved into working conditions during the pandemic, and almost two-thirds (65%) of delivery workers admitted they don’t feel safe working through the current situation.
When asked what people could do to make them feel safer over the coming months, 49% agreed that it would be useful if people put a sign on the door that lets them know if the resident is in self-isolation. Other suggestions included:
- If you’re interacting with a postal worker, wear a facemask (28%)
- Make sure any surfaces such as gate latches are cleaned on a daily basis (13%)
- Ensure post boxes are wiped and cleaned daily (10%)
An anonymous DPD driver also said “Multiple delivery drivers can touch a person’s letter box or garden gate every day, so it’s a good idea for the home-owner to clean them as much as possible for both ours and their own safety. We take pictures of the parcel at the door and sometimes are close to the recipient which isn’t very safe. Standing back and wearing a facemask when answering the door is very important and I’d encourage everyone to get into the habit of doing so.”
There are postal delays all over the country, with some places are suffering more than others. Important letters, such as the COVID vaccination invitations are being delayed. Although it’s frustrating for recipients, we have to remember that delivery drivers and postal workers are caught in the middle, and it’s up to us to support and help them through the current challenges.
