Royal Mail losing 400 postal workers per week, union warns

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) reports that Royal Mail is losing approximately 400 postal workers per week. This attrition rate has reportedly increased following the implementation of the DM26 delivery system earlier this year.

The DM26 system reorganizes routes to improve efficiency, including a change where second-class mail is delivered only on certain weekdays. While Royal Mail states these reforms are necessary for a financially sustainable service, the CWU claims the system is causing operational issues in hundreds of offices. Workers have expressed concerns regarding increased workloads and potential delivery delays during the upcoming Christmas period.

Royal Mail is currently facing financial pressure, having accumulated an £800 million loss over the last four years as letter volumes have declined significantly. To manage seasonal demand, the company is hiring 22,000 temporary workers, though the union has warned of difficulties in recruitment and retention. The CWU has called for a pause on the system's rollout until a plan is agreed upon to address these operational challenges.