Dozens of Lichfield postal workers off due to Covid
Dozens of Lichfield postal workers are isolating due to Covid disrupting the delivery of mail to homes across the city.
Residents have reported not receiving their post for as many as seven days after 46 out of 70 Lichfield postal workers were struck down by Covid sickness or forced to isolate at home.
The affected staff are based at the Royal Mail’s delivery office on Britannia Way, from which mail is sorted and then delivered to homes and businesses in the Lichfield district.
The Royal Mail acknowledged that service in the city has been affected due to staff absences attributed to the pandemic.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Across the UK, our people are working hard to deliver as comprehensive a service as possible to all our customers in challenging circumstances.
“Despite our best endeavours, it is possible that some areas of the country may experience a reduction in service levels due to higher volumes of mail during the lockdown, the ongoing impact of Covid-related staff absences and necessary social distancing measures at local mail centres and delivery offices.
“Like most organisations, we have a number of employees who are self-isolating in line with government guidance.
“This has a direct impact on our staffing levels, especially in areas where there are higher levels of local outbreaks.”
The spokesman said that from the start of the crisis, the Royal Mail has “played a key role” keeping the country connected.
“Every single letter and parcel is important to us,” he said.
“We are working hard to deliver as normal a service as we can, drawing in extra resource and offering additional overtime where possible.
“We remain grateful to all our customers for their patience and understanding as our dedicated workforce work hard to deliver these exceptional volumes, whilst also adhering to necessary social distancing measures.
“Throughout the pandemic, every decision we make puts the health of our people and customers first.”
By Andy Kerr
