Postmen can't be trusted to deliver parcels

THOUSANDS of people are being forced to collect their own post in a fresh Royal Mail scandal.

The Evening Standard has learned casual staff are not trusted to deliver parcels and recorded delivery letters. They are told to leave 'Sorry you were out' notices without ringing the doorbell.

One Londoner, Adrian Bradbury, 38, received two notices while he was at home with his newborn daughter.

Mr Bradbury sprinted after the postman, only to find he did not have the parcels. Three weeks later, he has still not been able to pick up his mail.

He said: "I am so busy looking after my baby. The parcels are probably presents for her."

Mr Bradbury's local sorting office, at New Cross Gate, and Royal Mail customer services both confirmed that casual staff were not allowed to deliver parcels or recorded delivery letters.

Mail watchdog Postwatch has received 150 complaints - 40 from London - about the issue. A spokesman said: "This should not happen and we do not think it is acceptable."

Royal Mail, which took on thousands of casual staff after sacking 30,000 employees to cut costs in 2003, has said the policy is ordered in some locations "to ensure the customer receives the best possible service".

Melanie Corfield from Royal Mail said New Cross Gate's policy was wrong and had now been corrected.

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