A Royal Mail worker has explained why post is sometimes folded before being put through letterboxes, and the reason is surprisingly simple: it's easier to get it through the slot.
Appearing on an episode of Things People Do, the anonymous postal worker told former professional rugby player Joe Marler that folding letters makes them easier to deliver.
Why fold letters?
The employee, who used a pseudonym for the interview, said: "I favour the old fold before I post because I find it easier to get through a letterbox. So, when you're doing that you can normally feel what's in there…I try to get that all in one go. It's easier to get through the letterbox."
However, he admitted that he doesn't fold every letter, especially special greetings cards or birthday cards. He added: "I don't fold people's cards, birthday cards I don't do that."
Royal Mail's advice on addresses
It is not known whether this postal worker still works for the postal service, but more recently Royal Mail has issued critical advice to people who write addresses on envelopes in pen ink.
They emphasised how important it is for people to make sure the address they put on their envelope, if written by hand, is legible to ensure it reaches its intended destination. The reason is so Royal Mail's reading and sorting machines can better understand it and send the letter or parcel on its way.
In guidance posted on the postal service's website, they said: "Use clear and easy to read handwriting (or font if you are printing the address). Use a pen or ink that is clear against the colour of the envelope or parcel. It's important that the address shows up against the colour of your envelope… Write the address clearly on the front, following our guidelines, and always include a postcode if possible."
Delivery delays in some areas
Royal Mail's guidance comes at a time when they have admitted some people may be facing delays to their post if they live in one of 127 postcodes. The problems, they said, were being found in "a small number of local offices" due to a variety of issues.
In a statement, they said: "This may temporarily not be possible due to local issues such as high levels of sick absence, resourcing, or other local factors. In those cases, we will rotate deliveries to minimise the delay to individual customers. We also provide targeted support to those offices to address their challenges and restore our service to the high standard our customers would normally receive."
