Union says Royal Mail losing about 400 workers weekly amid DM26 rollout

The Communication Workers Union says Royal Mail is seeing an average loss of 400 postal employees per one outlet, up from roughly 330 before the DM26 system was introduced. The DM26 overhaul groups workers in threes, alters walking routes and limits second-class mail to alternate days, but staff report letters being left behind, parcels still taking priority, and step counts rising by up to a third. Some workers, like Bryn Dymott in Bedfordshire, have quit, citing an unmanageable Christmas outlook.

Royal Mail argues the reforms are part of a plan for a more efficient, financially sustainable service and that coverage has risen to 95% of addresses daily. The company also announced hiring 22,000 temporary workers for the holiday period while Ofcom continues to fine the firm for missed delivery targets.