Channel Islands Post Offices Gear Up for Christmas Deliveries

Julie Thomas, the managing director of Jersey Post, informed the BBC that the company delivers “pretty much… to every household, every single day during the Christmas period.” This interview took place amidst scenes of activity at the company’s headquarters, including parcels being moved, vans being loaded by posties, and Christmas music playing in the sorting office. Ms. Thomas indicated that the post office’s activity level in the period leading up to Christmas is a third higher compared to other times of the year. She stated, “Normally we would be processing something like 30,000 items a day and delivering them, at Christmas that becomes between 50,000 and 65,000.” To manage the increased volume during the Christmas period, Ms. Thomas explained that the company expands its workforce. She noted that the 270 permanent postal workers are restricted from taking annual leave between November 25th and after Christmas. Additionally, approximately 12 temporary workers are brought in, and the company’s budget for overtime is increased. Gregg Stuart, the operations manager for Guernsey Post, stated that his team had been preparing for the intense Christmas period. He commented, “It’s our busiest time of year and obviously everyone’s flat out working as hard as they can to get Christmas delivered to islanders.” He added, “The posties are doing a great job, they’re obviously slightly tired and jaded after a few weeks of getting through Black Fridays and things like that, but they’re still keeping their heads up and servicing as best they can.” Ashley Ellis, who is working his first Christmas as a postie, described the period as “absolutely manic, it’s crazy” when compared to the rest of the year. He expressed that delivering presents ordered for loved ones was “brilliant,” adding, “It’s a great feeling.” Bernie Manning, an employee of Jersey Post, transitioned to a postal worker role after his previous business was compelled to shut down during the Covid-19 pandemic. He commented on the current workload, stating, “At the moment it’s very long days and early mornings.” He also noted, “Luckily enough it’s only at Christmas… I normally take a week off in February.” Ms. Thomas highlighted that dispatching Christmas post in advance was “really important” to guarantee the timely arrival of cards or presents. She urged customers to consult the Jersey Post website for the final posting dates specific to each destination, to ensure items reach their recipients before Christmas. Ms. Thomas explained that the company adopts a “cautious” approach when setting its final posting dates. She elaborated, “We do that for a reason because obviously something can always go wrong, particularly on an island, so help us to help you by posting early.” Dawn Gallienne, head of corporate engagement at Guernsey Post, mentioned that numerous final posting dates for international destinations like Australia and Europe had already passed, but affirmed that “there is still time to send items closer to home.” She specified that Monday, December 16, marked the last posting date for letters destined for Alderney, parcels and letters for Sark, and large parcels intended for the UK, Isle of Man, and Jersey. She also advised, “If you’re sending letters to Santa, be sure to post by Thursday 19 December.” Customers have the option to use the dedicated Santa post box at Envoy House or any standard post box, with no stamp required.