More than 1,000 complaints a day were received.

Royal Mail paid more than £1 million each month last year to customers whose parcels were lost, damaged or stolen.

More than 1,000 complaints a day were made against the company, with £13 million paid out in compensation.

The number of complaints was up nine per cent on the previous year and this year's figures are expected to be even worse following industrial action by staff in the summer and autumn.

In addition, impolite staff saw 56 customers voice their dissatisfaction, with £3,431 paid out in compensation, which could encourage people to use Post Office alternatives for their parcel delivery needs in the future.

Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "These figures paint a picture of chaos, incompetence and confusion."

Royal Mail recently announced that the cost of a first-class stamp will rise by two pence to 41p from April, while a second-class stamp will cost 32p.

Posted by Sarah Gower



Article Added: 29/12/2009 09:38:57