Jardine praises Royal Mail's preparation for Christmas

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine praised staff at local Royal Mail sorting office for their work ahead of the festive period.  

Joining staff at South Gyle Crescent’s delivery office, Ms Jardine heard about how the company has adjusted to handling more parcels, after the number of letters sent per year has dropped from 22 billion to 7 billion in the last two decades. 

Despite this, the weeks leading to Christmas remain Royal Mail’s busiest period, with double the normal volume of parcels and letters to send, and nearly 7,000 extra vehicles ordered to cope with demand across the country. 

Christine said: “It’s clear from my visit to the Royal Mail locally that our country still relies on the thousands of posties across the country.  

“The local delivery network also provides a much-needed public service, and for many people who live alone, a vital point of contact and a friendly face every day. 

“It was fascinating to see how such a complex operation handles thousands of letters every day, whilst also adapting to a sharp increase in parcels since the pandemic. 

“I know people across Edinburgh West will join me in sending our thanks to Royal Mail for the work they do all year round, but especially during the busy festive season.”