A HARD-WORKING postal worker is urging residents and MPs to be more tolerant as workers face unprecedented demands and a backlog of mail caused by the Covid-19 crisis.

Luke Elgar, 28, from Southend, says there has been a backlash at postal workers because the virus has caused reduced staffing and long delays for mail deliveries.

It comes as it was revealed four areas of Essex are part of a postage “blacklist” with homeowners not receiving regular deliveries.

The worker, who is based at Southend’s Short Street depot, said: “We always expect Christmas to be very busy but with the lockdowns it’s been pretty crazy.

“MPs have had a go at us and so are some residents which is understandable but they need to take into account we’ve had difficulties.

“I do not have any issues with how we are being treated and the Communication Workers’ Union really fought to get us personal protective equipment and safety.

“I do not think Royal Mail would not have sorted this without the pressure from our union. We are also sharing vans to try make it safer for us and we’re trying to keep social distanced too - but it’s not easy with 300 staff.

“I’ve been with Royal Mail for ten years now and lots of people are working more than ten hours so we can just catch up with the parcels.

“It was mostly MPs who were being negative but so many people on the street are so grateful and for many we’re the only people that we see daily so it’s important.”

Customers said more does need to be done and bosses at Royal Mail should have been prepared.

Barbara Cox, 76, of Southchurch said: “It’s a disgrace really, and worse for older people who rely on the post, newspapers and parcels especially in these times.

“We’ve had sporadic post on and off since the late autumn and it’s wrong - I do not blame or criticise the workers.

“As is so often the case it’s the big fat cats making money and not bothering to ensure the service is there.

“We’re still waiting for some Christmas cards - and let’s not forget the cost of posting and stamps too.I feel for the mail staff out on the streets but at the time same I don’t see why we pay for a service and do not get it.

“There’s also deafening silence from the firm too.”

The service has now published a list of 28 areas in the UK which have been affected by the shortage of staff, which includes Basildon, Grays, South Ockendon, and Chelmsford.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “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. “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 in these areas for their patience and understanding as our dedicated workforce work hard to deliver these exceptional volumes, whilst also adhering to necessary social distancing measures.

“We endeavour to keep our customers updated on any changes to our services. We have a dedicated section on our website. Throughout the pandemic, every decision we make puts the health of our people and customers first.”