Christmas gifts stuck in the winter weather
Over the last couple of days, as the weather in the UK begins to turn, it is becoming more and more apparent that many Christmas gifts, parcels and food deliveries are being held up by the UK climate. Subzero temperatures around the UK, reaching -16°C in the north of Scotland yesterday, have not only impacted upon the postal service's ability to deliver goods but also delivery of items to supermarkets and other retail outlets around the UK.
The problem for many UK consumers is the fact that promised Christmas gifts, ordered prior to the Christmas post cut off date, will not arrive in time and there will be many disappointed children around the UK. However, at a time when the UK postal service is being pulled from both sides, with financial constraints, a large pension deficit and more and more threats of strike action, it is difficult to blame the Royal Mail. This is a business which has to all intents and purposes lost its focus over the last decade and indeed now the UK government is looking to dispose of the operation it is being trimmed down to size and taxpayer investment is being reduced.
In many ways we appear to be in a situation of short-term pain for long-term gain, at least if you believe the government spin on the reorganisation of the UK postal service!
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