Christmas cards and gifts may have to be sent earlier than expected this year as Royal Mail workers are striking in the lead up to the festive period.
While it may seem like that there's still plenty of time before December 25, the date is creeping ever closer. Christmas is the busiest time of year for the postal service and, if further industrial action takes place, your presents may not reach their final destination in time.
Strikes by the workers in the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have been confirmed on November 24, 25, 30 and December 1 - and more dates could be added.
The current strike dates will impact those sending international mail. What's more, national deliveries could be disrupted if an agreement cannot be met and postal workers add more walkouts closer to Christmas.
The CWU has accused the firm of "gross mismanagement" as Royal Mail bosses remain in talks about the national dispute that concerns pay, jobs and treatment.
"Allow plenty of time for posting," the Royal Mail advises. "Please post items and gifts for Christmas early, particularly for international deliveries."
To ensure you remain organised, Royal Mail has updated their recommended Christmas postal dates for national and international post.
What are the latest Christmas posting dates?
UK service
Friday 16 December
- Royal Mail Bulk Mail Economy
Monday 19 December
- 2nd Class
- 2nd Class Signed For
- Royal Mail 48
Wednesday 21 December
- 1st Class
- 1st Class Signed For
- Royal Mail 24
- Royal Mail Tracked 48
Thursday 22 December
- Special Delivery Guaranteed
- Royal Mail Tracked 24
Friday 23 December
- Special Delivery Guaranteed
International standard and tracking
Friday 7 October
- British Virgin Islands
- Dominica
- Anguilla
Thursday 1 December
- Australia
- New Zealand
Friday 2 December
- China (People's Republic)
Monday 5 December
- All remaining Caribbean destinations
Wednesday 7 December
- Africa
- Asia (except China, People's Republic)
- Central and South America,
- Far and Middle East
Thursday 8 December
- Cyprus
- Malta
Friday 9 December
- Greece
- Eastern Europe (except Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia)
- Turkey
Saturday 10 December
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- Finland
- Italy
- Poland
- Sweden
- USA
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