Royal Mail parcels scheme could mean end to ‘Sorry, you were out’ slips

Royal Mail is launching a new service to allow people to nominate neighbours to receive parcels if they are not at home.

The move was developed by workers and managers in delivery offices.

Sue Whalley, chief operations officer at Royal Mail, said the service offered convenience to customers and helped postal workers deliver parcels and letters first time rather than having to take items back to the office.

Bob Gibson, of the Communication Workers Union, said: “Postal workers frequently have to visit several addresses to find a neighbour who is in and able to accept a parcel, which can be frustrating for our members and can lead to problems on some deliveries.”