Postal worker

Answers supplied by the personnel department of the Royal Mail.

What does the job entail?
There are three areas you could work in: delivery, processing and distribution. Delivery jobs involve getting the round ready and then delivering and collecting mail. This usually requires an early start and being outside in all weathers working both alone and part of a group. Processing work takes place in mail centres and involves sorting the mail using high technology machinery and some sorting by hand. This is usually shift work as part of a group. Distribution involves collecting mail from businesses and transporting mail to and from mail centres, stations and airports, sometimes using HGV driving.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
Some jobs require basic numeracy skills; you don't need to be good at maths but should be able to do calculations either in your head or on paper. To deliver mail effectively you need to be able to read addresses and you will be under pressure to meet deadlines and ensure mail is delivered on time. You need to be able to communicate with others including customers and be able to provide them with information clearly and politely.

What type of person will fit in?
Delivery jobs are great for people who enjoy working outside and meeting people while processing jobs are more suited to people who like working as part of a group in a factory type environment. Distribution work will suit someone who likes drivingand working in a group. Some jobs tend to have repetitive tasks which are essential to provide a good service. It is important that you are enthusiastic and remain committed and always work to a high standard.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
Delivery work means early starts, being outside in all weathers and it can be physically demanding, processing jobs require shift work and involve lifting and pushing heavy trolleys full of mail and distribution also means working shifts and includes physical work when loading and unloading mail from vehicles. The positive points include working for abusiness committed to its employees, free uniform and protective clothing, subsidised restaurants in large offices and training and opportunities to develop your career.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
All employees have the opportunity to progress to a range of specialist jobs such as working in the traffic office or inquiry office, heavy goods vehicle or Postbus driving or even working on the travelling post office (train). Alternatively the Service Delivery Management Framework allows frontline employees to train for a management position.

What can I expect to earn?
Pay rates for postmen/women are £153.62 per week plus allowances at age 16, £179.23 at age 17 and £230.44 aged 18 or over rising to
£256.04 after one year. Starting salaries for a manager are around £17,206 per annum and pay rates for all staff are usually reviewed annually.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
Information about vacancies for those considering applying to be a postman/woman can be obtained by writing to the Personnel Unit, Royal Mail, 13-17 Thorpe Road, Norwich NR1 1AA.