Carla Lockhart MP said:

“Last week I secured a high-level meeting with senior management from Royal Mail in London, driven by serious and ongoing concerns about postal delays in Banbridge and across Upper Bann. This is a very specific and pressing local issue. The Banbridge delivery office is currently short by more than ten staff, and while recruitment is ongoing and I am hopeful that this will lead to improvements, this staffing gap must be addressed urgently.

“A major concern raised with me by constituents relates to delays in postal letters, particularly hospital appointment letters. These delays can have very real and serious consequences for patients. Royal Mail has confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the Health Trust about how this mail is issued. At present, much of this correspondence is sent as economy mail, which can sit for a period of time before even entering the delivery system. That is simply not acceptable when it comes to hospital appointments and medical care.

“I intend to raise this issue directly with the Health Minister to ensure that hospital correspondence is sent in a way that reflects its importance and urgency. No patient should be put at risk because a letter arrives late.

“Before Christmas, I also raised wider concerns about postal delays, including late letters and the broader structural changes taking place within Royal Mail. Let me be absolutely clear, this is not a criticism of our posties. I have always been, and remain, fully supportive of the vital work they do.

“My concerns are directed at senior management and the strategic direction they have taken the business. There is no doubt that postal habits have changed. Across the UK, letter volumes have fallen dramatically from around 20 billion letters per year to approximately 6 billion, reflecting the shift towards parcels. Royal Mail must adapt to that change, but this cannot be used as an excuse for delayed post.

“I have been holding Royal Mail’s feet to the fire on staffing levels, contracts and conditions, and the need to properly support their workforce. Being a postman or postwoman is not an easy job. Over Christmas, I had the privilege of meeting many local posties, walking with them and listening to their experiences. They are deeply committed to their work, but they want senior management to recognise that effort and deliver fairer terms and conditions.

“The situation in Banbridge and across Upper Bann, and the delays in vital correspondence, were key drivers for this meeting. I will continue to press Royal Mail, the Health Trust and the Health Minister until we see real improvements for postal workers and for the public they serve.”