Consumer Council Advises People To Plan Ahead For Postal Strike

The Consumer Council has advised people to plan ahead for Royal Mail strike action, planned to take place on Thursday 13 October 2022, Thursday 20 October and Tuesday 25 October 2022.

Royal Mail is also expecting further disruption during November and the start of December to parts of its business. Royal Mail's services will be affected with delays to mail posted the day before, during or in the days after any strike action.

Michael Legg, our Head of Postal Services, provides the following advice to consumers:

"We are encouraging consumers across Northern Ireland to plan ahead for expected strike action which will affect Royal Mail services. Our tips include:

• Plan ahead - post items well in advance of planned strike dates.

• Consider your needs - do you need to post over the strike period, or can you wait until the strike action is over and normal service is resumed?

• Let your recipient know - If you are sending urgent outgoing mail and you think it may be delayed, contact the recipient by telephone or other means to explain the situation.

• Check before purchasing special services - If you are sending something valuable and important by a Special Next Day Delivery service, Royal Mail is unable to guarantee it will not be delayed and you will not be able to claim any compensation.

• Speak to senders about alternatives - If you are expecting urgent and important mail over the strike period such as medical appointments, prescriptions, benefit letters and bills, contact the sender to find out what alternative arrangements can be made to ensure you receive your items or that you receive vital information on time.

• Know your rights - If you are a consumer and you have bought something online and it is delayed, remember the item should be delivered within the time frame agreed with the retailer. If no time frame is agreed, the retailer must deliver at the very latest no more than 30 days from the date of purchase. If the item is not delivered on time, you can return the item, cancel your order and get a refund."

Consumers can contact Royal Mail customer services on 03457 740 740. Lines are open Monday to Friday 7am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.