Lagan Valley MP calls for fundamental review of Royal Mail as postal issues continue
Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood has tabled an early day motion at Westminster noting the ‘ongoing failures in Royal Mail’s delivery performance’ and has called for a fundamental review of the organisation.
Ms Eastwood’s comments come as residents in Lisburn continue to have problems with their post, with many waiting weeks for important letters.
"Royal Mail is a reserved matter, meaning only Parliament in Westminster can address this, not the NI Assembly,” said Ms Eastwood. “This issue is impacting right across the UK with Northern Ireland particularly affected.
"Since last year, I've been in touch with staff who have been concerned about what is going on, culminating in an email campaign last year asking me to raise their concerns which I did.
“I have it on good authority that many workers are seriously worried about what's happening to the service, with things seriously under-staffed, people unable to meet demand.
“Let me be clear and upfront about this; there have been problems since Royal Mail was privatised in 2013. So much so, that they've been fined for not meeting delivery targets that they signed up to.
"Just months ago, the company also warned that it may not be able to deliver first-class post within three days without increasing prices for customers.
“There are clear and systemic issues with the ‘business model’.
"Despite what other reps and Royal Mail are saying, this won't be fixed by temporary recruitment of more staff or moving sorting offices or anything else. Further fines won't address it either.
"What we need is a fundamental review of Royal Mail ownership and governance model to ensure the Universal Service Obligation is met and not watered down any further. I'm calling on the government to undertake this now.
"We don't want to lose our Royal Mail, it is a British institution.
"I will fight to keep our Royal Mail and improve the service, not allow it to deteriorate and to be sold off like so many other valued core assets.”
Lagan Valley MLA Michelle Guy has met with representatives of the Royal Mail to express concerns over the issues raised.
“Residents in Lagan Valley deserve a reliable postal service, and the ongoing delays across Lisburn and beyond are causing a lot of unnecessary stress and aren't acceptable,” she said.
“People are missing crucial and time sensitive documents like hospital appointment letters or communications from their bank.
"In response to the high volume of concerns raised with my office I have been engaging directly with Royal Mail to outline the concerns of people.
"Royal Mail have acknowledged local staffing challenges which are impacting delivery times.
"They have apologised for the inconvenience caused and confirmed that a recruitment campaign is underway to improve staffing levels and restore a more consistent service.
"I am also seeking a meeting with Ofcom to understand what is being done to hold Royal Mail to account on their service.
A spokesperson for the Royal Mail said the situation should improve with the employment of more staff.
He commented: “Whilst most addresses served by Lisburn Delivery Office receive post every day, some addresses are receiving deliveries every other day due to resourcing challenges.
"We anticipate the situation will improve shortly as we are recruiting for more posties.”