MP calls on Royal Mail to let staff work paid overtime or risk ruining Christmas

Cumbrian MP Tim Farron is calling on Royal Mail bosses to pay postal workers overtime or risk cards and presents being left undelivered this Christmas.

It comes as regulator Ofcom ended a investigation into Royal Mail's performance and found that the company had failed to hit some of its annual delivery targets.

Just 82% of first class mail was delivered within one working day, below a target of 93%, while 95.6% of second class post was delivered within three working days, against a target of 98.5%.

Ofcom said 94.29% of delivery routes were completed each day a delivery was required - against the target of 99.9%. This means that 1 in 20 villages or areas aren't receiving their post every day.

Meanwhile there are reports in the national media that postal workers fear that letters posted now may not arrive in time for Christmas due to the backlog.

Tim is also calling on Royal Mail to come to an agreement with the Communications Workers Union to stop any further strike action.

Tim said: "This is an absolute appalling situation which could threaten to ruin many Christmas for many people.

"Meanwhile the situation is only set to get worse with Royal Mail's failure to settle the ongoing dispute with the unions over pay and conditions leading to more strike action.

"It's clear that Royal Mail's mismanagement means that they lack capacity to do the basics, which should persuade them that their dreadful plans to close Sedbergh Delivery Office would make things even worse.

"Royal Mail must do a U-turn and be prepared to pay their staff overtime so that cards, letters and parcels can be delivered on time."