A ROYAL Mail manager has praised his staff for their efforts this year after facing many challenges with the pandemic.

Benfleet office manager, David Thomas, expressed how staff even came in on Sundays and days off to make sure customers weren’t let down.

Mr Thomas, explained more about the challenges they faced: “This has been a very difficult year for my staff with sickness levels and social distancing as well as changes to their delivery routes in November.

“I have had staff come into work who have started early and worked late because they do not want to let their customers down and they have even worked on their days off and Sundays to cover gaps in staffing levels and ensure everyone got their Christmas cards and parcels on time.

“Despite the high workload and the gruelling physical tasks, they perform every day they get the job done in all weathers and have made sure our delivery office is clear and that everything has been delivered.”

Royal Mail recently revealed that they are facing such high levels of sickness that meant almost double the number of employees were absent compared to in 2018, before Covid-19 was identified.

However, despite the challenges David Thomas wanted to thank the public for their understanding that they have shown this year.

“The public support and understanding they have shown our posties have been amazing and the team really do appreciate all the support and kind words from the residents.

“We are a close-knit team, and they work incredibly hard, and I am immensely proud of them all.

“This has been our most successful Christmas in this office, the team have managed to deliver every single item of mail, and this is down to their hard work and dedication.”

Many residents took to social media to thank the Benfleet team for their hard work.

One wrote: “Our posties are amazing. A brilliant service provided. Have a Happy Christmas and stay safe, thank you.”

Another added: “Well done to each and every one of you! Great work, you should all be so proud.”