Royal Mail have a number of strikes scheduled for the festive period, and have shared a list of final postage dates for first and second class stamps to ensure that your Christmas cards are delivered by the 25th of December 2022.

As well as being a particularly busy time of year for Royal Mail, the postal service will face more delays this Christmas with a list of strike dates being announced by the Communication Workers' Union (CWU).

As such, the company have urged customers 'to beat the festive rush' and get their cards and parcels posted in good time this Christmas.

Royal Mail have said: "Royal Mail and CWU have agreed to jointly engaged with ACAS facilitation in an attempt to resolve the current disputes on pay and change. There is a commitment on both sides to reach a resolution. An opening session took place on Tuesday the 25th of October and further joint sessions have taken place since.

"On Monday the 31st of October, Royal Mail proposed a new conditional pay-for-change offer to the Communication Workers Union (CWU) worth 9% for CWU-grade colleagues which includes a 7% salary increase over two years, plus a lump sum payment of 2% of pay this year.

"We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience the CWU's continued strike action will cause. We are doing all we can to minimise delays and keep people, businesses and the country connected."

When are the upcoming strike dates?

The upcoming strike action will clash with Black Friday, which is scheduled for the 25th of November 2022. Strikes on the 24th and 25th may also impact Cyber Monday, with a backlog of post expected to delay parcels being delivered across the International shopping weekend.

 There are more plans to walk out on Wednesday the 30th of November and Thursday the 1st of December. 

The processing, distribution, international, collections and admin workerswill be striking on Thursday the 24th of November and Thursday the 1st of December

Delivery workers will be taking action on Friday the 25th of November and Friday the 2nd of December.

Finally, Network workers will be walking out on Wednesday the 23rd and Wednesday the 30th of November 2022.

More December strikes are expected, with the potential to disrupt the festive season.

When do I need to send my Christmas post by?

Friday 16th of December:

• Royal Mail Bulk Mail Economy

Monday 19th of December:

• 2nd Class
• 2nd Class Signed For
• Royal Mail 48

Wednesday 21st of December:

• 1st Class
• 1st Class Signed For
• Royal Mail 24
• Royal Mail Tracked 48

Thursday 22nd of December:

• Special Delivery Guaranteed
• Royal Mail Tracked 24

Friday 23rd December:

• Special Delivery Guaranteed with Saturday Guarantee 

Rutland residents should ensure that they are posting all upcoming Birthday cards, parcels, and Christmas post in good time this year, to ensure deliver before the 25th of December 2022.