SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has accused Royal Mail bosses of ‘talking from both sides of their mouths’ over their denial of prioritising parcels over letter deliveries.
Mr Durkan had raised concerns about sporadic mail delivery which has seen constituents in the Foyle area significantly impacted.
Royal Mail attributed problems to staff absences.
The group has since requested a move to reduce mail deliveries from six days a week to five or even three days, as part of its obligations as the universal postal service. Any reform would require approval from the UK government.
Said the Foyle MLA: “No-one is denying the fact that the postal service must adapt to meet changing consumer habits but at this stage, Royal Mail are their own worst enemies.
“They have failed to take accountability for systemic failings within the service and instead, continue to use staff as a scapegoat.
“They’ve blamed this year’s financial losses on strike action rather than the failure of management to address long standing issues including intermittent letter deliveries, which continue to have a significant impact on customers.
“Within my own constituency the delays have resulted in homeless families losing out on long awaited offers of housing, people having benefits suspended or missing critical, and in some instances, life-saving hospital appointments.
“The potential for Royal Mail to reduce its Universal Service agreement for six-day a week letter delivery to five days while seeking a seven-day week parcel service, shows where their priority lies.
“The group has denied a policy of prioritising lucrative parcel deliveries over letters but their latest move belies that rhetoric.
“It’s patently clear that reform is needed but Royal Mail’s haphazard approach to delivery will do more damage in the long term – it’s true that people are becoming less reliant on post but it’s now the case that no one can rely on it.
“In my own constituency, customers are lucky to get a mail delivery two days a week, so a guarantee of five days would be an improvement in some areas.
“There must be a tougher review into Royal Mail’s disregard of its statutory universal service obligation (USO); looking at the declining quality of service; pay and working conditions for staff and the significant consequences of failure to fulfil those obligations.
“The UK government has a duty to step to improve standards, ensure the sustainability of the service and protect jobs.”
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