DPD parcel deliveries to homes in the North East will be delayed, the courier has announced.
DPD says increased demand caused by staff walkouts from its rival Royal Mail has led to a "knock on effect" as online stores and businesses switch to alternatives.
Many customers will have to wait an extra day to get their parcels. They include those living in post codes in Newcastle, other parts of Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and Cleveland.
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A DPD statement said: "We are experiencing short delays to our next-day delivery service in a small number of locations, as a result of the industrial action at the Royal Mail, which has had a huge knock-on effect across the entire industry
"As a result of the industrial action, we have seen an increase in demand for our services, as shippers seek alternatives to the Royal Mail in the UK.
"While the service is unaffected in most areas, we have today temporarily suspended next-day deliveries to around 5% of postcodes in the UK. The expected delays of 24 to 48 hours and the postcodes impacted are shown on our website.
"Where delays do occur, we update the parcel recipient directly where our customers have provided us with their contact details.
"Any delays at this time of year are hugely regrettable and while the underlying issues here are outside of our control, we would wish to reassure retailers and parcel recipients that our team is doing everything possible to minimise the impact on next-day deliveries."
Post codes affected by DPD delays in the North East
County Durham
- DH1-3, DH6-9, DH97-99, DL16-17, SR7-8, TS28-29
Northumberland
- NE22-24, NE41-49, NE61-71, TD15
Tyne and Wear
DH4-5, NE1-13, NE15-21, NE25-40, NE82-83, NE85, NE88, NE92, NE98-99, SR1-6, SR9, SR43 2-SR43 4
Cleveland
TS21-22, TS24-27
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