ParcelHero: Snow is the last thing the UK’s traditional postal service and courier networks needed.

The home delivery specialist ParcelHero says snow and ice have compounded delays to many retailers’ deliveries in the UK. Strikes and a shortage of seasonal workers were already causing increased backlogs.

ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: “Snow is the last thing the UK’s traditional postal service and courier networks needed. Even before Arctic conditions hit the UK, deliveries were backing up. Retailers and individuals have all been switching to couriers to avoid the impact of industrial action in the traditional postal network, and this unexpected extra volume of parcels has taken some networks by surprise.

“It’s not only strikes that are impacting deliveries, there’s also a shortage of warehouse operatives and delivery drivers, because many seasonal workers have left the UK post-Brexit. Several UK courier networks have had to take steps to keep parcels moving as retailers abandon traditional mail services. One major courier has stopped all next-day deliveries in some areas.”

To check retailers’ final order and final mailing dates tool, see: www.parcelhero.com/events/christmas-gifts-delivery