Understand
Hundreds of Royal Mail staff quitting weekly amid new efficiency plans and union warnings
Overview
According to the Communication Workers Union, about 400 postal workers are leaving Royal Mail each week following the introduction of a new delivery system called DM26, up from around 330 previously. The union claims the system is causing significant issues in hundreds of offices, increasing workloads, and leading to fears of a difficult Christmas period. While the union has asked members to pause further roll-out until issues are addressed, Royal Mail states that the reforms are necessary for a sustainable service, are 90% complete, and are expected to be operational in all offices by Christmas.
Key points
- About 400 Royal Mail staff are leaving the company weekly, according to the Communication Workers Union (CWU).
- The increase follows the roll-out of the DM26 delivery system, which reorganises routes and alters delivery schedules.
- The CWU has instructed members to pause further roll-out of the system until agreements are reached on addressing problems.
- Postal workers report increased workloads, with daily step counts rising significantly, and express concern over the upcoming Christmas period.
- Royal Mail states the system is on track to be fully deployed by Christmas and aims to create a more efficient and financially sustainable service.