Homeworkers attack `second-rate' post service
Leaders of a million businessmen and women who work from home tonight attacked plans to deliver post later in the day and end second deliveries.
The Royal Mail said the changes, to be tested in 14 areas of the UK, will mean a single delivery arriving by lunchtime.
The plans, due to be extended across the country from the autumn, are expected to lead to job losses among postal workers.
The Royal Mail said it was reviewing its delivery services in a move to increase efficiency as more of its markets were opened up to competition.
But the Federation of Small Businesses said people who worked from home relied on early delivery of post because it often contained cheques and vital letters such as orders.
“We are very concerned that the Post Office is preparing small businesses for what will be a second rate service,” said spokesman Stephen Alambritis.
“This is very worrying news.”
Ian Fletcher, chief economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, said small firms would face “considerable difficulties” if post did not arrive until 12.30 pm.
Customers receiving large volumes of mail are likely to have earlier deliveries.
“Royal Mail has to deliver a reliable universal service to everyone for the price of a stamp, including to many places where the cost of that service is considerably more than 27p,” said a Royal Mail spokesman.
“The regulator is increasing the pressure on Royal Mail with the proposal to open the most profitable elements of the market to competition in just a few weeks’ time.
“Our delivery patterns have not changed for many years and we believe there is scope to increase efficiency and improve reliability.”
Change was a “necessity” to safeguard the future of an affordable next-day delivery service for everyone, said the Royal Mail,
The trials will start within the next few months in Crawley, Sussex; Bow in east London; Edinburgh; Sheringham in Norfolk; East Manchester; Llanelli; Newbury; Newhaven; Loughborough; Halifax; Plymouth; Ballymena; Thirsk and St Helens.
Around 100,000 customers will be affected.
The Royal Mail said some people will receive later deliveries, although others could see no change, or even have post delivered earlier than at present.
The trials will formalise the end of second deliveries, which in practice are not made in most areas.
There had been speculation that post might not be delivered until mid-afternoon, but the Royal Mail said the changes will mean a single delivery, six days a week, by lunchtime.
Consumer watchdog Postwatch said any changes should respond to customer views and needs instead of just meeting the aims of postal group Consignia to save money.
The views of customers will be sought before, during and after the trials and the results will be taken into account before final decisions are made.
Chairman Peter Carr said: “Postwatch cannot support changes to delivery service without a full understanding of customers views and experiences.
“There will have to be sufficient time to evaluate the results of the research.”
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PA News
