Charity furious over mail strike setback

The Weldmar Hospicecare Trust booked a special door-to-door mail drop two years in advance so it could ensure that its 132,000 leaflets were delivered to supporters for a remembrance and fundraising campaign.

But it was forced to cancel the mail shot about its annual Light up a Life campaign because of the postal strike and cannot book another slot.

Fundraising director Caroline Nickinson said: “We’re really angry because for us this is a really important way to reach the people who support us and a lot of people will think we just haven’t bothered to ask them.

“This was always our first point of contact to advertise our Light up a Life campaign at Christmas.”

Under the Light up a Life initiative people can dedicate lights on Christmas trees in memory of loved ones.

The Royal Mail workers went on a two-day strike on Thursday after last minute talks failed when the 130,000 members of the Communication Workers Union rejected the pay offer of 2.5 per cent by Royal Mail.

A second two-day strike is planned from Monday causing further disruption to the industry and it is estimated the walkouts will cost the company millions of pounds.

Mrs Nickinson said: “When we tried to find out more we were told we could still send our letters to the headquarters but there was no guarantee they would be delivered and that would also mean losing the GBP 5,300 fee they charge.

“Luckily our newsletters weren’t printed yet so we could cancel the order at the last minute which was due to cost us more than GBP 4,000.

Spokesman for Royal Mail Richard Hall said: “Regrettably we have had to cancel our door-to-door contracts because of the industrial action. We know it is causing a real inconvenience and we apologise for that.”